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THE CRUSADHR 



IN (;REAT BRITAIN, 



Or, 



The History of the Origin and Organization 



OF THE 



British Women's Temperance Association 



MOTHER STEWART, 

The Leader of the Women's Crusade Against the Liquor Traffic 
and Author of " Memories of the Crusade." 



Through Cod we shall do valiantly; for 1U it is that shall tread 
down our enemies. JVm m 6o:ift. 



189V 

1 HE MI W KKA COMP \TX\ 

SPRING! IKLl), OHIO. 




:P 1 



51 



Copyright 1S93, ir\L*^Iiss Martha Campbei 



Oft 



• r r ^^. v 






To TPIE DEVOTED ADVOCATES OF THE TEMPER- 
ANCE CAUSE, OF EVERY ORGANIZATION, WHO GAVE 
ME SUCH WARM WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM, AND 
WHO, BY THEIR CORDIAL ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPER- 
ATION, MADE MY MISSION A BLESSED SUCCESS, ARE 
THESE PAGES LOVINGLY AND GRATEFULLY DEDI- 
CATED by THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE 



WHEN I took my pen, some years since, to re- 
cord what I knew of that great temperance 
wave known as " The Woman's Crusade," against the 
liquor saloons, and the work that developed out of it, 
it was my purpose to incorporate my visit to, and 
work and its results in, Great Britain in the same vol- 
ume. But I directly saw, upon entering upon*the 
work, that the material was so abundant that the 
great perplexing problern was how to crowd all into 
a book within the compass of possible sale, or what to 
select out of the great mass of material, where all 
was so intensely interesting and valuable as history of 
the greatest, most startling movement in all the agita- 
tion of the temperance question. After a vain effort I 
found it necessary to throw out many pages entirely 
and to leave my visit to Great Britain for a separate 
volume, though greatly regretting to do so, as it is 
really a continuation of our crusade work, or a legiti- 
mate outgrowth of it, and would be better understood 
and appreciated if read in connection with the history 
of that remarkable uprising. I now, however, present 
it in a separate volume, claiming for it a not unim- 
portant place in the history of the temperance work, 
as the appeal was to the women, and resulted in en- 
listing a large and continually increasing number of 
the best women in the kingdom, who are doing valu- 



VI PREFACE. 

able service against such odds as we in our country as 
yet cannot estimate, and who are at present receiving 
a new impulse under the inspiring leadership of that 
eminent Christian woman, Lady Henry Somerset. 

Except in Rev. Dawson Burns's " History of the 
Temperance Movement," in which he in several in- 
stances refers to my work, for which I desire here to 
express my grateful thanks, it has not found the place 
it deserves in the history of the temperance agitation, 
wnen we consider the far-reaching results in the forma- 
tion of the British Women's Temperance Association, 
the affiliated Scottish Christian Union and the World's 
Christian Temperance Union, and I hope I may not 
be judged as too presumptuous when I claim it as a 
most important, but as yet missing link, without 
which the woman's part in the history of the great 
temperance agitation in the kingdom cannot be prop- 
erly understood and appreciated. 

A kind Providence has, since writing the story of 
my visit and work in Great Britain, made it possible 
for me to realize the hope long cherished, but almost 
abandoned because of advancing age, of again meet- 
ing with many of my dear co-laborers. This happy 
event was due to my being elected by our National 
W. C. T. U. as Fraternal Delegate, to represent them 
at the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of Good Templars, 
which met at Edinburgh, Scotland, in May of 189 1, 
and demands a few pages added, which I shall hope 
may not detract from the interest of the preceding 
chapters. Mother Stewart. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

A Call to Great Britain— Visit Washington, Balti- 
more, New York, Meriden, Conn., by the way- 
Reception to J. N. Raper— On the Steamer, City 
of Brooklyn — My Providence Friend — A Sad 
Disaster — Arrival at Liverpool — Reception Ten- 
dered by the Various Temperance Organizations 

In the Police Court -. 19-45 



CHAPTER II. 

Arrival in London- Call on Spurgeon —Welcome 
Reception -Reports of the Meeting— Meeting in 
Barnsbury Chapel -Criticism by the Editor of 
The Cincinnati Commercial — Welcome to Moth- 
er Stewart, by Harriet A. Glazebrook 46-65 

CHAPTER III. 

Comments of the Press The Woman's Whisky War 
as Reported by "The Trade" A Pen-and-ink 
S etch of Mother Stewart — Editorial in the 
Temperance Star — Meetings at Greenwich — 
Naval Training School— Poplar — The Royal Bell 
Rngers- Meeting at Halloway — Wandsworth — 
Organization of the First B. W. T. Association — 
Meeting at Shaftsbury 66-81 

CHAPTER IV. 

A Call to the Women to Organize for Work — Lam- 
beth Baths — Incident of the Meeting— Song of 
Welcome, by J. Anderson— Stepny Green Taber- 
nacle—Formation of Second Woman's Associa- 
tion in London — At Great Central Hall, Bishops 
Gate— Phrenological and Physiological Descrip- 
tion of Mother Stewart 82-94^ 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

Death of Rev. Jabus Burns, D. D. — Royal Procession 
from Buckingham Palace to Parliament House- 
Visit an Educational Conference and Hear a 
Lord Make a Speech — At Hammersmith— The 
Women March and Sing Crusade Songs — At 
Woolwich — Visit the Art Galleries in South 
Kensington — A London Fog •• 95-109 

CHAPTER VI. 

Letter to Mrs. Adelaide Stewart — Weariness from 
Excessive Labor — Watchword's Report of One 
Evening's Work -Meeting at Rev. Varley's Tab- 
ernacle — Incident of the Meeting — Fruitage from 
the Crusade — Organization of the Fourth Ladies' 
Union— Mass Meeting at Night — Poplar — Lam- 
beth Baths — Standard Theatre in Shoreditch — 
Wm. Noble — Our American Loan, by Harriet A. 
Glazebrook 110-132 

CHAPTER VII. 

An Invitation from a Catholic Priest to Address 
His People — Drinking Christians — Meeting at 
Wandsworth — Debtf ord — Incident — Old Surry 
Chapel— The Cana Miracle — Visiting Places of 
Interest — Visit to Parliament 133-152 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Farewell Conference at Moorgate Street — Reports of 
the Work in London — Mass Meeting in the 
Evening — Reports of Same — Farewell to Mother 
Stewart, by John Anderson 153-167 

CHAPTER IX. 

A Sunday Breakfast — Meeting American Mission- 
aries — First Public Meeting in Liverpool — An 
Interview with a Pastor — Meeting in Hope 
Hall — A Critique in the Liverpool Post — A 
Ladies' Conference — Meeting in Albert Hall — 
Waterloo— St. Helens — Wigan— Widnes— Gars- 
ton — Templar Hall, Warwick Street— Chester — 
Bootle — Meeting Friends — Meeting at Leigh — 
Free Church, Liverpool — Call on Josephine E. 
Butler— The Drunkard's Raggit Wean 168-19" 



CONTENTS. IX 

CHAPTER X. 

Birmingham — Consul T. B. Gould — Meeting Noted 
Personages at a Series of Breakfasts — Visit to 
Kennelworth and Warwick Castles — Stratford- 
upon-Avon — A Letter from Miss Sarah James — 
Manchester 197-207 

CHAPTER XI. 

Glasgow — Brilliant Reception — Extended Reports... 208-218 

CHAPTER XII. 

Hopeful Opening of the Work in Scotland — Meeting 
in Rev. Howie's Church — Tea Meeting at Miss 
White's — Meeting in Dr. Kerr's Church — Green- 
ock — Meeting in the Old Gaelic Kirk — A Novel 
Pulpit— Ladies' Conference at Glasgow — Meet- 
ing at Bethany Church — Dundee — Mrs. Parker 
at Home— Call for a B. W. T. Conference— Ad- 
dress a Meeting of Factory Girls — Brilliant Re- 
ception in Dundee — Meeting in Broughty Ferry 
— Return to Glasgow — A Conversazione — Moth- 
ers' Meeting — Grand Reception Tendered by 
the Good Templars— Dumbarton 219-238 

CHAPTER XIII. 

A Day on Loch Lomond — Visit to a Drinking Palace 
— Visit to the Police Station — Sunday Breakfast 
in the Drill Hall — An Overwhelming Scene — At 
the Police Court — Ladies' Conference — Farewell 
at Cowcaddens Free Church— Incident 239-258 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Visit to Ireland — The Irish Annual League Meet- 
ing — Report of the Conference by Rev. J. Kay — 
Report from the Northern Whig of Belfast — 
Annual Banquet — Continued Report of Rev. 
Mr. Kay — Ladies' Temperance Association — 
Letter from Mrs. S. C. Hall— An Old Story, by 
S. C. Hall.* : 259-269 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Return to Glasgow — At Drill Hall — Meeting in Dr. 
Wallace's Church — Report of the Formation of 
the B. W. T. A. at Newcastle-upon-Tyne— At 
Paisley — Ladies' Conference — Meeting in Rev. 
Mr. Banatine's Church— A Ladies' Temperance 
Association — At Campbellton — Rothesay — Tea 
Meeting — Large Evening Meeting — Kelso- 
Selkirk— Address of Welcome 270-295 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Galashields — Welcome Address -The Galashields 
Union — Visit to Dryburgh- Hawick— The Or- 
. chard— Childhood Memories The Braes of Yar- 
row 296-304 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Edinburgh- Sight-seeing -Ladies' Union Formed — 
Meeting in the Literary Institute Visit a Pub- 
lic House Stirling Castle— Alloa — Address the 
Factory Girls — Dundee— Old St. Andrews— Ab- 
erdeen— Inverness - Farewell to Scotland— Bel- 
fast-Letter to the Pittsburgh Agitator 305-322 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Meeting at Newry — Dublin -In the Slums — Foxrock 

— Bray — Cripples' Home— Back to Dublin— Liv- * 

erpool—Last Public Meeting— Farewell Breakfast 
—Homeward Bound— Meeting at Swanton, Vt. — 
Philadelphia — A Centennial Tea-bell — Home 
Again— Welcome Reception 323-342 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Delegate to the World's Grand Lodge— Bon Voyage 
Reception— Sail on the Bothnia— Glasgow— Pris- 
on Gate Mission -Edinburgh — Meeting Friends 
—Conversazione — Carrubber's Close Mission— A 
Day of Days 343-362 

CHAPTER XX. 

Tea Meeting, Reception and Farewell at Glasgow — ^-"JP*K 
London — Paris— Boulogne — Boston Convention.363-39 



INTRODUCTORY LETTERS. 



I AM happy to acknowledge the great obligation 
under which I have been placed by Mrs. Cecil 
Burns, Honorary Secretary of my London committee ; 
Miss Mary White, Honorary Secretary of the Glasgow 
Ladies' Prayer Union ; and Mrs. Prof. Kirk, then 
Worthy Vice-Templar of Scotland and now Treasurer 
Scottish Christian Union, B. W. T. A., who have so 
kindly furnished me the following most valuable let- 
ters of testimony in regard to our blessed work. And 
I take great pleasure in presenting these letters as the 
most appropriate introduction that I could furnish to 
the succeeding pages. 

233 Balham, High Road, London, S. W., 

Sept. 17, '92. 

Ever since the temperance work came into opera- 
tion women have banded themselves together to help 
forward the movement, both by personal abstinence 
and public advocacy, and the early records published 
bear testimony to the zeal evinced by lemale devoted- 
ness. "Women's Societies," "Women's Unions," 
" Women's Associations " were formed, feeble of 
course at the beginning, but growing steadily as the 
cause of sobriety became more realized as an individ- 
ual and universal blessing. 

In 1874 encouraging news came trom America as 
to the noble crusade entered upon by a band of women 
there, called "The Anti-Whisky Crusade." Their 
efforts being so signally blessed was the theme of 



Xll INTRODUCTORY LETTERS. 

much conversation, and the desire to hear more fully 
of so remarkable a work led to the formation of a 
committee to invite Mrs. E. D. Stewart — better knowtn 
as "Mother Stewart" — to visit England. 

In January of 18^6 she came, and a series of meet- 
ings in and around London were arranged for her to 
speak at and bear testimony to the great work being 
accomplished in her own country, she being one of 
the pioneers of this " crusade." 

These meetings in various localities were very 
largely attended, and several conferences were held. 
A great impetus was given to women to come more 
to the front in this temperance work, and though it 
was felt that the exact plans carried out by the Amer- 
ican women could not be adopted in England, yet 
many lost their feeling of timidity and were not afraid 
to openly state their reasons for their adoption of the 
temperance cause. 

We are indebted, too, to Mrs. E. D. Stewart for the 
early thought as to an association of women on an ex- 
tended scale. Mrs. Stewart visited the country, and 
it was to Mrs. Parker that she suggested the plan, 
namely, the organization of the British Women's 
Temperance Association, which Mrs. Parker and oth- 
ers carried out at Newcastle-on-Tyne, on the occasion 
of the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, 
in April, 1876, and in December of that year London 
became the central point for the fuller development 
of that association, which to-day has its branches in 
almost every large town in England. 

Mother Stewart did a good, earnest work in Eng- 
land at a time when such help was really needed, and 
it is pleasant for an old abstainer to bear testimony to 
the good accomplished' by such devoted zeal in so 
noble a cause. Cecil Burns, 

Honorary Secretary of the Committee formed for 
Mother Stewart's Meetings in London in 1876. 



INTRODUCTORY LETTERS. Xlll 

i Belmar Terrace, Glasgow, Scotland, 

July 23d, 1892. 

Dear Mother Stewart: — I am glad to hear your 
" Memories of the Crusade " is to be followed by an 
account of your labors in the organization of women's 
temperance work in this country, which led to and 
resulted in the formation of the "British Women's 
Temperance Association." 

In our own city, Glasgow, in 1874, a band of ear- 
nest Christian women, grieving over the many Scottish 
homes desolated through strong drink and inspired by 
the tidings which reached us from over the sea, of 
what had been accomplished by the praying women 
of your crusade, organized themselves into a Women's 
Temperance Prayer Union, meeting weekly for prayer 
and conference. 

At that time it was the rarest thing for any woman 
to speak in public in Scotland, and though the infant 
union showed from the first that it meant work, not 
only by personal visits to all the ministers of Glasgow, 
but by a pleading letter to all the drink sellers, only 
one or two of our sisters had the moral courage to 
brave the existing prejudice by speaking from the 
platform. 

At this juncture you visited us early in 1876 and 
held many meetings in Glasgow and other places in 
Scotland. Everywhere men and women were stirred 
by your burning words, and before you left our shores, 
more than one woman's lips had been touched with "a 
live coal trom the altar" to plead with God and man 
against the drink curse. 

Whilst we had the pleasure of entertaining you and 
Mrs. Parker at our house, you laid before her your 
plans to unite for work those whose hearts and lips 
God had touched under a national organization, to be 
called the British Women's Temperance Association. 
And taking advantage of the prospective meeting of 
the Grand Lodge of Good Templars at Newcastle-on- 



XIV INTRODUCTORY LETTERS. 

Tyne, you, conjointly, in a few days thereafter sent 
out a circular call to the British women notifying them 
of the proposed convention of Christian women, and 
inviting their attendance. This meeting was accord- 
ingly held and the organization effected on April 21st, 
1876, while you, accompanied by ex-Provost Dick, 
Mrs. Dick and Miss Bryson, were, upon a previous 
engagement, attending the Irish Annual League meet- 
ing in Belfast. 

It will be very interesting to read your "Memories" 
of that memorable visit — a visit which has truly led 
to great and blessed results. 

Yours affectionately, 
Sec'y B. W. T. A., Glasgow. Mary White. 



MOTHER STEWART S RECEPTION IN SCOTLAND. 

This eminent American lady arrived on British soil 
early in the year of 1876, and for several months had 
been laboring in England, and forming British Wom- 
en's Temperance Associations. 

She was a worthy member of the Grand Lodge of 
I. O. G. T. in her own country, as well as of the 
Women's Christian Temperance Union, and was wel- 
comed warmly by the Good Templars of our land and 
also by all other kindred associations. 

The Ladies' Prayer Union of Glasgow having invited 
her to that city, she arrived there on the 1st of April, 
and on the 3rd they tendered her a reception in the 
Queen's Rooms, in which all the other organizations 
participated, and to which the writer hereof as W. Vice 
Templar was invited to tender her the welcome of th$ 
sisters of our Order. 

This magnificent reception introduced Mother Stew- 
art into Scotland and at once gave her public accept- 
ance. She labored hard and created among the women 
an intense desire to do something more than rhey had 
done hitherto. 



INTRODUCTORY LETTERS. XV 

In many towns she formed associations for prayer 
and work and in others prepared the way for other 
good women to follow in her footsteps. 

The Good Templars felt a deep interest in Mother 
Stewart's visit and gave her a grand Scottish welcome 
in Glasgow City Hall, presenting her with an illumi- 
nated address. The writer was again invited to par- 
ticipate. It was a welcome of which any woman 
mi^ht have been proud. 

Mother Stewart reached Edinburgh in May. She 
was met at the railway station by Mrs. Kirk, wife of 
Professor Kirk, D. D., Mr. and Mrs. Darling, of the 
Regents Hotel, Mrs. E. Steel and other ladies and gen- 
tlemen, and was escorted to the Regents Hotel, where 
she and Mrs. Parker, who followed her the next day, 
were by invitation of the proprietor and his lady their 
guests during their stay, and where at a banquetgiven 
by those noble friends of our cause Mother Stewart 
met many of our prominent temperance workers. 

A grand reception and tea meeting was given her 
in the Odd Fellows Hall, David Lewis, Esq., presid- 
ing and introducing our distinguished visitor in an 
eloquent address of welcome. Mr. J. W. Watterson, 
"on behalf of the temperance organizations, in a feel- 
ing speech presented her with an illuminated address. 
The assembly was a representative one, being com- 
posed of many of the prominent ministers and influen- 
tial men and women of the city, as well as the leaders 
of the temperance reform, and the greeting was warm 
and enthusiastic. And by her religious fervor and en- 
thusiasm Mother Stewart, at once captured her audi- 
ence, who listened with rapt attention to the close of 
her thrilling address. She also gave them food for 
serious reflection, when she declared that while they 
numbered seven hundred publicans as communicants, 
and eighty of these office bearers in the church, they 
would never be able to conquer the demon drink. 

On the following evening a public demonstration, 



XVI INTRODUCTORY LETTERS. 

attended by a very large assembly, was held in the 
Literary Institute, where again the great drink monop- 
oly was fearlessly handled. 

Mother Stewart visited the Ladies' Union Prayer 
Meeting in Bristo Palace Hall, which was composed 
of the prominent temperance women of the city, and 
who had been for six weeks praying especially for her 
visit. She gave them an interesting sketch of the 
Women's Crusade in America, which was highly ap- 
preciated. She also visited and addressed Dr. Guthrie's 
Ragged School. 

A special meeting for conference and organization 
of the ladies of the various churches for combined 
work in the lines indicated by Mother Stewart was 
held in the drawing-room of the Regents. The room 
was crowded, and though evidently weary she gave a 
very powerful address. Mrs. Parker was also invited to 
give a report of the formation of the British Women's 
Temperance Association, which had, as the result of 
Mother Stewart's work, recently been formed at New- 
castle-upon-Tyne. 

On the morning ot her departure Mother Stewart 
addressed a meeting, largely composed of the working 
women, in Ponton Street Hall. She was led to speak 
to them verv faithfully, and thrilled them with her 
way of putting the evils of drink as she herself had 
seen them on the women of the working class. The 
interest she aroused was so great that upon taking her 
carriage to leave she was surrounded by the women 
who poured out their thanks with tears and loud huz- 
zahs. They seemed to think she had come for their 
deliverance. 

At the railway station there was a large crowd who 
manifested their feelings by waving of handkerchiefs 
and imploring heaven's richest blessings to rest upon 
her. No one after such a sight could say that working 
people are devoid of feeling hearts. •• 

She left Edinburgh amid shouts of joy after a brief 



INTRODUCTORY LETTERS. XV11 

visit of two days in which she gave six addresses, 
leaving an impression that time has not effaced. 

A few days after her departure, upon a circular call 
by Miss Eliza Wigam and others, a meeting of ladies 
was convened to confer in regard to the formation of a 
Scottish branch of the British Women's ^emperance 
Association. We also elected Mrs. Wellstood as our 
representative, who attended the International Cen- 
tennial Temperance Convention at Philadelphia, U.S., 
on June 10, 1876. 

The Scottish Christian Union was the result of 
Mother Stewart's visit, and now (1892) numbers over 
fifty branches in Scotland with a membership of nearly 
9,000. Her example, Christian character and enthus- 
iasm gave such an increase of power and influence to 
the temperance women as many of them had never 
before dreamed of possessing. And so in Edinburgh, 
as elsewhere, her fervent appeals bore rich fruitage. 
But lor the impulse given by "Our Mother Stewart's" 
visit we do not believe the women of Scotland would 
have sought to organize themselves into such a noble 
national work. Helen Kirk, Treas., 

Scottish Christian Union, B. W. T. A. 
17 Greenhill Gardens, Edinburgh, July 29th, 1892. 



CHAPTER I. 

A Call to Great Britain— Visit Washington, Baltimore, New 
York, Meriden, Conn., by the Way— Reception to J. H. 
Raper— On the Steamer City of Brooklyn — My Providence 
Friend— A Sad Disaster— Arrival at Liverpool— Reception 
Tendered by the Various Temperance Organizations — In 
the Police Courts. 

THAT wonder of a generation, indeed, of the gen- 
erations to come, the Ohio Women's Crusade, 
had rilled its mission and taken its place to be talked* 
written and sung of as the most thrilling contribution 
to the history of the great conflict between the tem- 
perance reformers and the greatest scourge of the 
nineteenth century, the liquor curse. 

But the results of that remarkable work were to be 
seen in organizations, local, county and State, all over 
the Northern States, with continually increasing num- 
bers of active, efficient women and practical methods 
of prosecuting the work to which they had devoted 
their lives. It had also resulted in awakening a new 
interest in the temperance cause all over the civilized 
world. 

Early in my work I had been impressed that this 
call was to the Christian women of all lands, and also 
with the necessity of enlisting our sisters of other 
countries as well as those of our own in this holy war? 
for sad, though true is it, that side by side with the 
spread of Christianity, intemperance with all its train 
of sin and crime and woe keeps steady pace. 



20 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

But because of the estrangement growing out of our 
terrible war, as well as our different customs and 
modes of thought, and our lack of a correct knowledge 
of each other, it was not possible as yet to induce our 
Southern sisters to join us in a movement that the 
distorted reports of the press had made to believe was 
a sort of mob inaugurated by women who were less 
amenable to the dictates of refined society than them- 
selves. And so my heart turned with earnest desire 
towards the Christian women of Great Britain. But 
how was I to reach them ? I thought of a way, and 
proposed it at our first National Convention, held in 
Cleveland in November of 1S74, that of a circular 
letter of appeal. In this I was not successful ; but I 
continued to carry my burden on my heart before the 
Lord, till going to Chicago, in June of 1875, to attend 
the convention of the National Temperance Associa- 
tion, I met Mrs. M. E. Parker, of Dundee, Scotland, 
who had come over as delegate to the Right Worthy 
Grand Lodge of Good Templars that had just closed 
its session in Bloomington, Illinois. 

Mrs. Parker was Worthy Vice-Templar of Scotland 
at that time, a lady perfectly imbued with the spirit 
of temperance reform, intelligent and full ot enthusi- 
asm. 

She had watched our Crusade movement with great 
interest ; and upon visiting Dumbarton in the course 
of her work, and being the guest of Bailie Buchanan, 
the subject of the Crusade, as everywhere and by 
everybody, was the all-absorbing topic. The Bailie 
brought her a copy of Frank Leslie's Weekly with an 
engraving of the scene in Springfield, Ohio, the first 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN, 2 1 

day we visited the saloons ; the Crusaders before the 
Lagonda House saloon ; Mother Stewart in the win- 
dow of the hotel addressing the great throng of people ; 
also a cut of Dr. Dio Lewis, and of Mother Stewart 
with a brief account of our work. " Oh," she ex- 
claimed, "I wish we could get Mother Stewart to 
Scotland," and though the paper was almost worn 
out with use she declared she must have it. Hence- 
forth her thought was, " Can we get Mother Stewart 
to Scotland, and how can it be accomplished?" And 
I, at my end of the line, was praying for an open door. 
Who shall say that any act of our lives is small or in- 
significant, or may not lead to important results. 

As she clasped my hand she exclaimed, "Oh ! Moth- 
er Stewart, will you not come to Scotland?" and I re- 
sponded with a bounding heart, if it were the Lord's 
will, I would. Yes, how my heart leaped with glad- 
ness, for lo ! the door for which I had prayed so long 
was opening. 

Upon Mrs. Parker's return home a correspondence 
was opened up, which resulted in my arranging to sail 
early in the following winter. Mrs. Parker, assisted 
by Mrs. Watson, of London, one of the English dele- 
gates, made the necessary arrangements for my visit 
to the kingdom, enlisting the hearty co-operation of all 
the various temperance organizations in England, 
Scotland and Ireland. 

Setting out on the two-fold principle of faith and 
works without any stipulation as to terms or time, feel- 
ing assured that the Lord had commissioned me to de- 
liver a message to my sisters across the seas, I had lit- 
tle solicitude as to conditions, proposing if possible to 



22 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

meet my expenses by responding to invitations to lec- 
ture on my way. First at Pittsburg where I claim a 
host of warm friends, and always have a pleasant 
time. 

After a brief tarrying with my dear Mrs. Robison 
and her interesting family, cheered by many a " God- 
speed" from the friends, I sped on to Washington 
where arrangements had been made for me, by my 
young friend and former student, L. E. Sleigh, Secre- 
tary of the Y. M. C. A. But how they are passing 
over ; he of whom I write this, dear almost as my 
own, and so brave and true, has laid down life's bur- 
dens and cares and gone to that inheritance which 
fadeth not away. Upon reaching Washington I found 
Mr. Sleigh had arranged with Hon. William Daniel, 
of Baltimore, our candidate for Vice President on the 
Prohibition ticket with ex-Governor St. John in 1884, to 
send me over to Baltimore for a lecture on the next 
evening. Cheerfully obeying orders, I retraced my 
steps to Baltimore, was met by Mr. Daniel and taken 
to Mr. Francis Cook's, where I was cordially welcomed 
and hospitably entertained. I met the W. C. T. U. 
ladies at their noonday prayer meeting which occurred 
on every Wednesday. A good devoted sister brought 
in a pitiful specimen of the debasing work of the sa- 
loon ; brought him as she said, if only to save him 
from the snare for an hour. She had taken him in and 
furnished him with a good cup of coffee, then invited 
him to come with her to the meeting. Her social po- 
sition for a moment startled her by whispering in her 
ear, " What would your fashionable friends think to 
see you walking the street with such a specimen of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 23 

humanity? " But only for a moment ; in the name of 
her Master she was reaching out a hand to a perishing 
soul. By the time she got him to the meeting he was 
nearly sobered up and responded to the permission 
given him to speak, by confessing his sin and appetite 
for drink ; said he was of respectable parentage, his 
mother was a good Christian woman, sorrowing over 
his deplorable condition, and begged the ladies to write 
to her some comforting words. He said he was a 
graduate of Dickinson College. It was a solemn occa- 
sion for us all and amid tears we again renewed our 
covenant to labor on. In the evening I addressed a large 
assembly in the Madison Street M. E. church. In the 
course of my lecture I referred to a bright little boy in 
front of me, saying something of the care and guard- 
ianship of his father. When I sat down, his mother 
arose and with sobs and tears said her boy was father- 
less, and begged the men to protect her fatherless child 
from the temptations of the saloon. 

The temperance people under the leadership of 
Hon. Wm. Daniel were circulating petitions for local 
option in Baltimore. The ministers had petitions on 
hand, and very few, perhaps none, refused to sign 
them. In the intervening years under the same lead- 
ership a grand work has been done in the direction of 
local option in the State of Maryland. But long 
since the leader with a strong following has declared, 
and is working for, a prohibitory amendment to the 
State constitution. 

Upon my return to Washington, I, on Thursday 
evening, addressed a meeting in Metropolitan church, 
Dr. J. P. Newman, now Bishop, pastor. The audi- 



24 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ence was said to be composed of the best class of citi- 
zens. Friday I was tendered a reception by the W. 
C. T. U. ladies. How they have grown in numbers 
and influence and what grand work they have done 
since ! 

On Sabbath at 3 : 30, I addressed a very fine audi- 
ence in Lincoln Hall, under the auspices of the Y. M. 
C. A. 

On Monday I visited the recently started coffee 
house opposite the Patent Office, and found it in a 
flourishing condition, the dear sisters laboring so hard 
to make it a success. These were the days of begin- 
nings. But oh, when I think of the toil, the sacrifice 
of time, labor and means, the prayers, pleadings with 
the men in authority, the tears of the women in these 
years that have followed, my brain reels and my heart 
grows sick. My God, where will it all end, and who 
shall stand before Thee when Thou comest to make 
inquisition for this great national sin ? 

The liquor power today, as on that 13th day of De- 
cember, 1875, is controlling all the political interests 
of the nation, filling the land with poverty and crime, 
impeding the spread of the gospei and sending its 60,- 
000 drunkards to the grave every year ; and the men of 
this nation regard it not. 

On Monday afternoon I did myself the honor to pay 
my respects to our chief magistrate, President Grant, 
and had a pleasant little chat of a few minutes with 
him. But after reaching the highest place in the gift 
of the American people, and in their affections as well, 
the hero invincible of the great rebellion, the honored 
of all nations, has been called to stand face to face and 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 25 

alone with one who is no respecter of persons, the 
great Conqueror of all. 

The evangelists Moody and Sankey had recently re- 
turned from their wonderfully successful campaign in 
England and Scotland, and were now holding a series 
of meetings in Philadelphia. I had not heard them, 
and having a laudable curiosity to hear and study 
them, and if possible learn the secret of their power 
and marvelous success, I went over on Tuesday. In 
the afternoon I attended the Christian women's prayer 
meeting held in connection with Mr. Moody's meet- 
ings, but I could not from that discover any special in- 
dication of revival influence. But at night with the 
great audience of many thousands I sat and heard Mr. 
Moody preach of " Heaven, " his theme for the even- 
ing. 

Where did his power lie by which he swayed that 
great assembly as he willed ? He did not tell us any- 
thing new or startling, he did not give it to us in ele- 
gance of rhetoric or oratory, but in plain Anglo-Saxon, 
though with intense earnestness. 

It must be that the people are hungry for the gos- 
pel without any starch in it. The novelty, the sensa- 
tion, the throng, all have their influence. What a 
glorious gift is the power of song. No one can hear 
Mr. Sankey sing of " The Home Over There " without 
feeling homesick and longing for an inheritance in that 
house of many mansions. That great audience was 
hushed into breathless silence as the sweet strain burst 
forth and swept over them. Ah, yes, I said, this cer- 
tainly is a great factor in this blessed movement. But 
over and above all, the Holy Ghost is in it. Why 



26 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

cannot all ministers and teachers, laymen and women 
thus earnestly work for the salvation of souls? And 
if they did how long would it take to bring a lost 
world to Christ? Who can work out the problem? 

The next day, Wednesday, I went on to New York. 
As I neared the Jersey ferry one of the many pleasant 
incidents that break the monotony of the alone traveler, 
and that I like to recall, occurred. I addressed a ques- 
tion to a gentleman near me in regard to finding the 
Inman office. He very kindly took my satchel saying 
he would show me. In the course of a conversation 
that ensued, as we were crossing the river, he told me 
that he was the business agent of Mr. Landis, of Vine- 
land, N. J., who had so conclusively proven both the 
possibility and practicability of prohibition, but at this 
time was incarcerated awaiting his trial for shooting 
an editor who had repeatedly insulted him and his 
family. I then ventured to tell the gentleman who I 
was. He manifested much pleasure at the discovery 
and insisted upon going with me to the office and help- 
ing me to complete my arrangements for sailing on 
the following Saturday, as was then my purpose. Re- 
questing me to write some word of sympathy or cheer 
to his friend, he left me. A very commonplace affair, 
you may say, but to me there is so much in all such, 
for by them I have so often been reminded of my 
Father's ever loving eare. I stopped at the Astor 
House, and next morning set out to call upon my valued 
friend, J. N. Stearns, 58 Reade street. As I wended 
my way among that throng of strange faces, wonder- 
ing if among them all there could be the face of one I 
had ever seen before, a voice near me exclaimed, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 27 

" Mother Stewart ! " and there stood my friend of 
Crusade memory, Beadle of the Cincinnati Commercial, 
and so again I was cheered. 

When I found Mr. Stearns he informed me that the 
temperance people were making arrangements for a 
reception to be tendered Mr. J. H. Raper, Parliamen- 
tary Agent of the United Kingdom Alliance, who had 
recently arrived. The reception was to be given on 
Tuesday evening, December 21, and Mr. Stearns in- 
sisted that I must remain over and take part in the exer- 
cises. To this Mrs. H. E. Brown, President of the 
New York W. C. T. Union, added her warm invita- 
tion, not only to stay over for a week and meet the 
ladies and see what they were doing, but to make her 
home mine while I tarried. 

How precious were those few days in that refined 
Christian home, and the association with one of the 
grandest women it was my happiness ever to know — 
not only a cultured refined lady of a high order of 
literary talent, but a devout humble Christian, giving 
her life to work for the Master. The matter being 
thus disponed of, I transfered my passage to the next 
steamer, the City of Brooklyn, and gave my time to 
helping my sisters in that great city of much wicked- 
ness and much earnest Christian work. On Thursday 
evening in company with Sister Brown I attended a 
very good meeting in Twenty-fifth street, addressed by 
Rev. Mr. Arthur, Baptist minister and a most earnest 
temperance advocate, followed by the pastor of the 
church, Rev. Mr. Osborn, Mrs. Brown, and myself. 
Friday morning I met the ladies in prayer meeting and 
on Sabbath afternoon bv Mr. Stearns' invitation, 



28 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

with Mrs. Brown, spoke to a large audience in the 
Congregational church at Green Point, L. I. 

On Monday a message came from Dr. W. H. Boole, 
of Meriden, Conn., saying, "All hail the East to the 
West; we are on the eve of a battle; come to us." 
Through his agitation he had been able to so arouse 
the people that they had, at their election in October, 
carried the city for local option, but the officials did 
not choose to carry out the will of the people by en- 
forcing the law. Then came on the December munici- 
pal election, and the contest deepened in intensity. 
The friends of sobriety and morality got up a Law 
and Order ticket, the lines were drawn and the battle 
was begun on the part of the temperance men and 
women with a determination to win. I was eager for 
the fray, for such agitation means business, and at least 
results in educating the people and adding numbers to 
the cause. I verily believe the Lord took Dr. 
Boole out of New York for this very purpose. He is a 
giant in such warfare, as the years since have abund- 
antly proven. I would that the number of such were 
multiplied a thousand fold. I hastened up and lec- 
tured in Dr. Boole's church to a good audience on Mon- 
day night, and remained over till one o'clock Tuesday, 
to help the sisters " run bullets and pick lint. " 

One of the ingenious devices of Dr. Boole to circum- 
vent the enemy was the writing of what he called 
" The Great American Snake Show," a scathing sa- 
tire on the nation's complicity with the liquor traffic, 
and one of his parishioners told him to put it through 
the press, furnish every citizen in the county with a 
copy and send the bill to him. The press was kept 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 20, 

running night and day till the stipulated number of 
copies were furnished. Certainly no show, not even 
Barnum's, ever had such an advertisement. And it 
proved a telling factor too. If all Christians would 
thus lay their gifts of brain, heart and purse on the al- 
tar, how long would it take to redeem our land from 
the curse of rum? 

At the evening meeting the ladies announced an all- 
day prayer meeting for the next day, beginning at 
half-past five. 

In company with Sister Boole I went down and re- 
mained till time to take the i o'clock train for New 
York. The sisters continued steadfast in prayer, the 
brethren from time to time coming in to report prog- 
ress, tarrying for a prayer, and going out with spirits 
refreshed to renew the fight. The liquor men were 
making a desperate stand, for their trade depended 
upon it. 

At length a brother came in and reported that the 
liquor men were growing desperate, but our forces 
were working bravely, steadily, hopefully. " If, " said 
he, "we can only produce confusion among the enemy 
in the Fourth ward we will carry the election. " That 
is the dangerous ward. A lady, tall, rather spare, with 
earnestness and faith written on her face, arose. "Let 
us pray, " said she. We all knelt, and what a prayer 
was that. The burden and refrain was, " Oh Lord ! 
send confusion into the Fourth ward." 

Dr. Boole took me to the train, saying as he bade me 
goodbye that he would telegraph me if the result*, 
were ascertained in time for the evening meeting. My 
poor weak faith went halting, saying it could not be, the 



30 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

liquor men would certainly triumph. But lo ! the 
Lord did se.id confusion into the enemy's camp in the 
Fourth ward. Not in time for our meeting that night, 
but the next morning came the joyful message, " We 
have gained the victory ! " And so while the bullets 
were efficacious, the lint was not required, for of our 
forces not a man was wounded. 

The reception tendered our distinguished guest, J. 
H. Raper, Esq., of the United Kingdom Alliance of 
England, by our National Alliance was a very inter- 
esting occasion, and in every way a success, as every- 
thing to which its wonderfully competent secretary 
puts his hand is sure to be. 

Hon. Wm. E. Dodge, president of the association, 
occupied the chair, and opened the meeting with an 
address expressive of heartiest welcome to one who, 
though for the first time among us, was no stranger, 
the record of his grand work and fiery eloquence in be- 
half of our common cause having preceded him. But if 
any one had felt any doubt as to his ability as an ora- 
tor, his response to the address of welcome from the 
chairman and others effectually settled that question — 
a man of fine presence, and master of all methods by 
which the accomplished speaker is enabled to captivate 
and convince, good English, short, terse, crisp sen- 
tences, logic, facts, ancedote, humor, pathos. 

To assist in the services came Revs. A. M. Powell 
and James B. Dunn, D. D., of Boston ; Hon. James 
Black, of Lancaster, Pa. ; Rev. D. C. Babcock, of Phil- 
adelphia, and Rev. H. W. Conant, of Providence, R. 
I., and, caught on the wing, the Crusader of the West, 
who had the double honor of taking Hon. Neal Dow's 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 31 

place on the program, and extending the greetings and 
welcome of her sister Crusaders of Ohio. 

Of this meeting, Secretary Stearns gave a very full 
report in the National Temperance Advocate, speaking 
in such generous terms of the Crusader, and sending it 
in advance, which being copied in the English 
papers, did much to open the way for her among 
the dear English friends ; for which, and the thousand 
other acts and words of kindness from him, she has not 
ceased to be grateful. 

The blessed Christmas tide brought a strange con- 
trast to the above occasion ; yet all the same illumi- 
nated by the light of that glorious gospel, He, the 
friend of sinners, came to give to a lost world. With 
Sister Brown and a few others, I visited and partook 
of a Christmas dinner at the "Home of the Friend- 
less" on Water street, an institution established by 
Dr. W. H. Boole, aided by a devoted band of helpers and 
sustained for a number of years by. faith. And here I 
slept at night, sweetly, where in times past the notorious 
'•Kit Burns" had his "Rat Pit" and drinking den, 
and where many a murder had been committed, but 
at this time a Christian home under the sweet influ- 
ences of prayer and resounding with the songs of 
praise. Not abundance there, but neatness and com- 
fort and sufficient supply day by day for the need. 
Across the way and a little further down on Water 
street was the "Helping Hand for Men," established 
and kept by Jerry McAuley and his wife, Maria — both 
having been brought from the lowest depths of sin 
and degradation into the marvelous light and liberty 
of God's dear children. Called of God were they, to 



32 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

do a work for the Master among a class that could not 
be reached by minister in broadcloth, nor the lady in 
silken robes. A sheltering harbor has it proved, 
where many a storm-tossed soul has put in and found 
refuge and deliverance from the debasing appetites 
and besetments of a sinful life. They come from all 
over the world ; men, occupying positions of wealth 
and influence and maintaining an indifferent or care- 
less exterior among their associates, come to unburden 
a sin laden conscience and ask the prayers of those in 
whom they have confidence. Jerry has since laid down 
his weapons of warfare and gone up to his reward on 
high, but his faithful wife is still prosecuting the 
work. 

After, with others, speaking to a strange motley 
audience at the Home, I spent an hour at the Helping 
Hand, and was one of about sixty who in the limit of 
that many minutes testified to the power of Jesus to 
save. How many I can't remember, poor ignorant 
ones, yet with their countenances beaming with a light 
from the heavenly shores, told of this being the first 
Christmas that they had spent without liquor, the hap- 
piest Christmas of their lives. One poor woman told 
that instead of the bottle she had the Bible on the ta- 
ble, and added, "That was better than smashing 
dishes." 

After visiting these two places, upon an arrange- 
ment made by my friends with Captain Williams, of 
the Fourth ward police station, and with a few friends, 
escorted by Captain Williams and his detective, I 
started out at 10 o'clock to explore some of the dens 
and caves of this great Sodom, where worse than wild 




JV/lRS. My\RIE HILTON 

Founder of The Creche. 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 33 

beasts in human form lurk and prey upon their fellows, 
and where many a soul is taken in and slaughtered. 

Oh, that women sitting at their ease, and in securi- 
ty giving no thought to aught but pleasure, could get 
a glimpse into these hells where souls are shut up, in- 
carcerated, cut off from hope, fore-doomed ! Methinks 
they would never again say, " I can find nothing to 
do, " but would cry out in anguish of spirit, "My 
God, what wilt Thou have me to do? " 

After visiting some twenty of these places we ar- 
rived at police headquarters of the Fourth ward, No. 
3, at 12 o-'clock. Ah me, how the ghosts of that 
night's memory walked by my side and dinned my 
ears night and day, till on the other shore a lower 
depth of human woe jostled them aside. 

On Tuesday, December 2S, my New York friends 
took me to the steamer, and saw me comfortably set- 
tled in my quarters, and with many blessings bade 
me goodbye. Imagine, if you can, Mother Stewart 
within an hour thereafter in \he dining saloon of the 
City of Brooklyn, surrounded by a group of gentle- 
men lifting their hats, clinking glasses and drinking 
her health. 

But whether the bard's assertion that "all is well 
that ends well" is always strictly true, at least out of 
it grew a friendship that I have had great pleasure in 
cherishing every since. 

I was sitting in the saloon feeling a wee bit solitary, 
when a party of gentlemen came in. One of them 
called for a bottle of champagne and glasses, which 
passing to his friend he proceeded to fill up, and 
pledging each other they drank. In a moment notic- 



34 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ing me he filled a glass and very courteously proffered 
it, apologizing for not having noticed me sooner. I 
thanked him, but declined. He insisted that it would 
be very beneficial, as I was about to sail. I asked him 
if he was aboard. He said he was. Then, said I, "I 
may as well tell you that I am Mother Stewart." In 
a moment the hats were raised and the gentlemen ex- 
pressed their pleasure at making my acquaintance. 
My newly found friend, who, by the way, was some- 
thing of a wag, bowed and exclaimed, "Now, Mother 
Stewart, we must drink your health," and again filling 
their glasses they pledged and drank. • I thanked 
them, saying I would take pleasure in pledging them 
in a glass of water, and possibly I might come to 
something stronger before I reached the other shore, 
but I meant to " die hard." But woe is me, if the 
health I found on shipboard is the kind that comes for 
drinking of it, let mine never be drank again, and let 
me have no more of it while the world stands. If it 
must be confessed, the fact is I had the " Oh my " bad 
enough to set Mark Twain up in material for a whole 
book. Husband had asked me to report myself from 
mid ocean, and describe the ice bergs and whales we 
fell in with. I wonder if there was a bit of irony lurk- 
ing anywhere there. Why, I would not, couldri't, 
I mean, have gone on deck if the sea serpent himself had 
come along side and sent up his card. I would not 
have tried to do more than throw him a kiss through 
the port-hole. 

Our weather and sea were remarkably fine and our 
run admirable for the season. The captain and pas- 
sengers said I had brought them good luck. I told 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 35 

them whatever I might bring, I knew that hundreds of 
prayers were following the City of Brooklyn. But at 
the very last our good fortune seemed to desert us. 
Just as we had begun to think we should make our run 
to Liverpool in ten and a half days we met with a sad 
and fatal accident which sent three souls to eternity 
and spread gloom and sorrow over all. Between Cape 
Clear and Qtieenstown, about 4 o'clock on Friday 
morning our steamer ran down a brig, striking it amid- 
ships, and it settled in a very few minutes, carrying 
down three persons, two being young men from Con- 
stantinople coming to England to be educated. The 
brig was loaded he*avily with wheat. It was said a 
double watch was on, and the captain himself on the 
bridge, but the night was very dark with a heavy fog, 
and they failed to see the lights. This is only one 
brief tale of the thousands of the sea. We were nec- 
essarily delayed by this sad disaster. The captain 
lay to for several hours in the vain hope that possibly 
those who had gone down might have, by the aid of 
some floating timbers, been saved. By this delay we 
lost the advantage of the tide in going in to Liverpool 
and so we were kept outside the bar and did not reach 
Liverpool till near 9 o'clock on Saturday evening, Jan- 
uary 8th. 

My good friend whose acquaintance I had made in 
such peculiar fashion proved to be A. B. Mullet, ex- 
superintendent of national public works, and a trusted 
personal friend of President Grant. He took me in 
charge and cared for me as if I had been his very own 
mother. I love to remember how he would leave the 
company of his gentlemen friends and come and sit by- 



36 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

me and read or talk to me by the hour, helping me to 
while away the tediousness of ship life and the misery of 
sea sickness. I was frequently asked if I did not hesi- 
tate to undertake such a journey alone. I did not in 
the least, for I felt sure that if I should need a friend 
the Lord would provide one for me. And I accepted my 
friend Mullet as the Lord's providing. I am here remind- 
ed of a very pleasant incident growing out of our ac- 
quaintance that I have also cherished with great pleas- 
ure. I was a few years afterward in Louisville, Ky., 
and upon going to our morning meeting one morning, 
in the western part of the city, a friend came to me 
and said that there was a lady in the church who had 
come expressly to see me. She was motherof a gentle- 
man who was a fellow passenger when I went to Eng- 
land. Of course I was not long in discovering that it 
was the mother of my friend A. B. Mullet, who hav- 
ing recently come to visit another son living in Louis- 
ville, and hearing of my being in the city had hastened 
to hunt me up and make my acquaintance for Alfred's 
sake. I was invited to dine and had a delightful visit 
with her and her son's family. 

Our disaster and consequent delay made it impos- 
sible for me to reach London on Saturday before 
night, as I had hoped, but my friend kindly offered to 
take me up with him to his hotel and take care of me till 
he could find my friends and deliver me into their hands. 
His kindness is now a pleasant memory mingled with 
painful sadness. A genial, social, generous hearted 
man, but in his social surroundings the very kind of a 
man to be led on to the brink of the abyss into which 
so many thousands have, and who can count the many 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 37 

thousand more that will, take the fatal plunge. It is 
with aching heart and bedimmed eyes that I record 
that my great, generous-hearted friend has added one 
more to this long, never-ending list of victims. By his 
own hand my friend was ushered into the presence 
of his Maker, leaving a gentle, devoted wife and inter, 
esting family overwhelmed with grief. Oh, the sad- 
ness, oh, the pity of it ! Is there never to be an end 
to the scourge? 

I must not fail to record my friend's kindness to 
me after I arrived in London, in calling and taking 
me to visit places of interest and to call on our minis- 
ter at the Court of St. James, General Schenck, who 
showed me such marked courtesy and gave me an 
open letter of endorsement which, from such an ex- 
alted soufce, was of great value to me and for which I 
cherish a grateful remembrance. 

My friend also took me into some of the lanes and 
alleys where, in a population of 25,000, there was no 
Protestant church or chapel, and where poverty, igno- 
rance, vice and crime held high carnival. He called 
my attention to the wretched tenants, as devoid of 
any Christian influence and as effectually heathen as 
any in the heart of India or Africa, and pointing to 
the miserable little children already far advanced in 
the sins and vices of their parents, said, " You Chris- 
tians talk about 'free will.' What have those chil- 
dren to do with free will? There they are where 
their parents came up before them, coming up as they 
did and where their children will come up after them." 
I confess I am not theologian enough to answer the 
question, but an awful responsibility rests somewhere. 



38 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

But this evening's glimpse at the overwhelming con- 
sequences of the liquor curse furnished valuable mate- 
rial for my work. 

I did not know that any one in Liverpool had ever 
heard of me. Imagine then, if you can, my surprise 
and happiness when the tender came out to take the 
passengers ashore, to hear some one inquire for "Moth- 
er Stewart." My friends in New York had cabled that 
I was on the City of Brooklyn and the temperance 
friends of Liverpool had made every arrangement to 
receive me, and Brother Collings, District Deputy of 
the Good Templars ; Brother Smythe, of the Liverpool 
Alliance ; Brother Newett, of Southport, and others 
had been sent out as a deputation to take charge of 
me. I am fain to believe the " Britishers " never took 
a more willing prisoner. They took me to Brother 
Collings's home, then asked me if I could not remain 
in Liverpool over Monday. I said I could, whereupon 
they telegraphed to London that Liverpool proposed to 
give me the first welcome, and set about arranging for 
a tea reception to be given on Monday evening at the 
Lawrence Hotel. Here I met gentlemen and ladies to 
the number of fifty or more representing the various 
temperance organizations of the city. Mr. Barker, of 
the United Kingdom Alliance, had come down from 
Manchester on Saturday to welcome me in behalf of 
that most influential organization, and with the other 
gentlemen had cruised around all morning in hope of 
overhauling us, but had been obliged to leave before 
we got in, and not being able to return had sent Mr. 
White to represent him and the alliance. 

Brother Collings presided at this meeting and in 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 39 

very warm and touching words presented the stranger. 
Mr. Smythe, on behalf of the Liverpool Alliance, of- 
fered a resolution of welcome which was seconded by 
Rev. Stephen Todd on behalf of the Good Templars, 
and supported by Mrs. Dr. Townsen on behalf of the 
Ladies' Temperance Association, by Mr. White on be- 
half of the United Kingdom Alliance, by Mr. Newett 
on behalf of Wales, and by Mr. Gibson, in a speech of 
richest Scotch provincialism and humor, on behalf of 
Scotland. 

The warmth with which I was greeted and the 
kind and fraternal words of each and all as they ten- 
dered me the welcome of their respective organizations 
quite overcame me, and made me to feel that though 
in a strange land I was not among strangers, but warm- 
hearted and loving friends, who were actuated by the 
same impulses, working with their might in the same 
cause and with the same hope, the destruction of the 
liquor curse. And how their words of welcome 
cheered and animated me ! These noble men and wom- 
en were doing an herculean work in Liverpool, mak- 
ing themselves felt and respected by the trade, though 
the odds were fearfully against them. They were 
wonderfully ingenious in devising methods of bring- 
ing the subject of the drink curse to the attention of 
the citizens in its most startling features. 

One of these devices was a map or chart of the city, 
designating the locality of the gin shops and giving 
the condition of such districts with a large amount of 
information bearing upon the subject. They bound one 
of these in most elaborate style and sent it to the 
queen, but some authorities near the throne thought it 



40 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

not expedient to trouble her majesty with such trifles 
as a showing up of the murder and impoverishment of 
her subjects by this worse than Asiatic " black death." 
Another method was taking note of any mal-adminis- 
tration of the laws or any expression of prominent 
officials in regard to the traffic, publishing it on slips 
or cards in illuminated letter and sending to every 
man's door. As a sample the following may serve : 



THIS PICTURE 

Number of cases of drunkenness 

reported in Major Gregg's report 

for 1874, 23,303 ( twenty - three 

thousand, three hundred and three) . 



LOOK OX 

AND ON THIS. 
Number of publicans convicted 



for permitting drunkenness in Liver- 
pool during 1874, 3 (three). 



"If any licensed person permits drunkenness or sells any intoxicating 
liquors to any drunken person he shall be liable to a penalty not exceed- 
ing for the first offense, ten pounds, and not exceeding for any subse- 
quent offense, twenty pounds." — See Act of Parliament. 

The thought that strikes one is, how like, the world 
over, whether on the thither or hither side of the At- 
lantic, are the public servitors of the people's (?) will. 
Only recently the doughty mayor of Cincinnati defied 
the will of the people and the law of the state by issu- 
ing his order to the police that no arrests were to be 
made on the following Sunday for keeping saloons 
open in violation of law. The German Turners 
were to hold their great annual Sunday desecrating 
entertainment and of course they must be accommo- 
dated with all the beer they desired. 

Three days since, on the 4th of July, the modest 
mayor of our modest city conveyed the information to 
our obedient police force that no harm would come 
to them if they should, in disobedience to law, permit 
the saloon-keepers to run their business till twelve 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 41 

o'clock, midnight, instead of closing at ten, giving the 
drunken rabble an extension of time in which to go on 
with their drunken carouse, quarreling and fighting- 
When we have such competent officials, what's the use 
of laws anyhow? But this is a digression. 

On Monday morning Brother Smythe took me to 
the police court, and being introduced to Justice Clark 
Aspinall I was kindly invited to a seat by his side on 
the justice's bench, where I sat and witnessed the most 
distressing sight I had ever seen up to that time, even 
surpassing those ot the Fourth ward in New York, as 
the concequences of liquor. Hundreds were brought 
up in succession, having been arrested on Saturday 
night and Sabbath for " drunk and disorderly " — hun- 
dreds, and nearly, or quite half of them women ; wom- 
en in all the stages of wretchedness, and degradation, 
and misery, growing out of the drink curse ; old, 
wretched, ragged, dirty, slatternly, frowzy, blear-eyed 
hags with all womanhood forever crushed out ; wom- 
en in the prime of life ; mere young girls. And I no- 
ticed that as the justice's attention would be occupied 
in another direction, the policemen would take ad- 
vantage to carry on a clandestine, familiar chat 
with those poor degraded creatures. 

Here they were, hundreds of them, and going into 
thousands as the year goes on, and this only one of 
similiar scenes in every city in the kingdom — here ar- 
raigned and punished for doing and being just what 
the law gave them the right to do and be. The great 
and powerful government of the kingdom of Great 
Britain declares the manufacture of, and commerce in, 
intoxicating liquors to be a respectable, legitimate 



42 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

business, and for a consideration paid into the treasury 
throws its strong arms of protection about it, making 
this barter in the souls of the queen's subjects so respect- 
able that it is spoken of always as "the trade" giving it 
pre-eminence above all other trades or business. And 
these manufacturers and vendors find their position in 
the highest places in church and state, and up to the 
present time the government has persistently refused 
to let the better class of its citizens exercise the right 
to say whether or not they want the curse, with all its 
misery and woe and burden of taxation and destruc- 
tion of souls, though from year to year they send up 
their thousands of petitions, and their brave, never 
swerving champion, Sir Wilfred Lawson, stands there 
in Parliament to plead and engineer their cause as no 
other living man could. Is this disregard of the pray- 
ers of the best class of citizens and of the true inter- 
ests of the nation what is called jingoism? I really 
do not know what they do mean by the term, but I 
should not wonder if that was it. The synonym in 
my own country, I suppose, is " rum-rule. " 

I saw that morning one of those pitiable old women 
arraigned and the uniform question asked, " How 
many times have you been up?" and with a courtesy 
the answer was, "Twenty times, your honor," and 
the sentence " five shillings, seven days, go down, " 
was given and the next called. I learned it was no 
uncommon thing for them to report fifty, sixty, sev- 
enty times, and even as high as two hundred times ar- 
raigned, fined and imprisoned for "drunk and disor- 
derly." 

One poor subject of sin and shame came to the bar 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 43 

with two little babies in her arms, with only a small 
breakfast shawl with which to protect herself and 
those helpless babies from the inclemency of that bit- 
terly cold January morning. Their little emaciated 
arms were blue with the cold, and one had that hoarse, 
croupy cough always so alarming to the mother. This 
subject also received her sentence, " five shillings, seven 
days, go down, " and she passed down out of sight. 
Ten days afterwards a gentleman writing me said, 
'•You remember the woman with the babies that you 
saw in the police court? I have just learned that she 
died the next day in prison. " " Oh, " I thought, " what 
of those poor, motherless babies, cast upon the char- 
ities of a cold world." Ah, my God, what of all the 
pitiful, innocent, helpless children that have to suffer 
because of the drink curse? How many are thus suf- 
fering in this year of grace? As I looked at those 
wretched women as they stood there at the bar of jus- 
tice (?) I thought, " What of the husbands, what of the 
children, what of the homes of these women? " Yes, 
what? Husbands in many cases going rapidly the 
same road to destruction. Children scattered to be 
educated on the streets and in the dens of iniquity ; 
coming up another generation as their parents before 
them, subjects for the public houses, to throng the po- 
lice courts, to fill the jails and workhouses and to sw T ing 
from the gallows. Homes destroyed, pauperism and 
crime increasing in accelerated ratio. Wise men are 
the law makers of this nineteenth century. 

From this police court my friend took me to the Y. 
M. C. A. morning meeting, where I heard George 
Muller so sweetly, so quietly, but confidently, talk of 



44 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

the power of faith. But I could only see those poor, 
ruined souls at the police court. I could only hear, 
"Twenty times your honor," "Five shillings, seven days, 
go down. " I could only think of that congregated 
mass of misery. I felt as if it would have given me 
re-ief if I could have screamed and wrung my hands. 
Many requests were sent up for prayers for various 
subjects. So I hurried and wrote, "Dear Brethren : I 
have just come from the police court where hundreds 
of poor ruined souls were arraigned and sentenced be- 
cause of the drink curse. Oh, pray for those poor 
men and women who are being ruined through the 
influence of strong drink. " 

But my poor wail for help seemed to have a rather 
disturbing effect. The good, pious brethren did not 
seem to have been used to appeals for such outcasts. They 
read and passed it from one to another, and put 
heads together and held counsel and looked grave, but 
did not make my request public. I suppose I blun- 
dered. I did not know but they would pray for any 
souls that were in jeopardy, but I concluded the in- 
tention was only to claim the promise in behalf of " re« 
spectable sinners. " 

I am glad to record, however, that a better day has 
dawned in that land. General Booth with his Salva- 
tion Army sending out flying artillery and riflemen 
everywhere, and William Noble with his blue ribbon 
cohorts, have been doing a blessed work, rescuing this 
class of perishing souls, snatching many thousands 
from the very brink of the bottomless pit and recruit- 
ing them for the army of the Lord and starting them 
on the King's highway towards the city of refuge. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 45 

Thank the Lord the poor and perishing may have the 
gospel preached to them. 

On Tuesday morning my dear, new-found friends, 
after my promising to return to them at as early a day 
as possible, put me aboard the London train and bade 
me God-speed in my mission. 



CHAPTER IL 

Arrival in London — Call on Spurgeon — Welcome Re- 
ception — Reports of the Meeting — Meeting in Barnsbu-ry 
Chapel — Criticism by the Editor of the Cincinnati "Com- 
mercial" — Welcome to Mother Stewart, by Harriet Glaze- 
brook. 

ON Tuesday evening, January n, I arrived in Lon- 
don and was taken in charge at once by the tem- 
perance friends who gave me a cordial welcome and a de- 
lightful home with those widely known Christian 
workers, Mr. John and Mrs. Marie Hilton and their 
.interesting family. Mr. Hilton has long been the 
very efficient parliamentary agent for the United King- 
dom Temperance Alliance, and Mrs. Hilton is the 
originator and patron of the Children's Creche, in 
London, now so generally copied in all the large cities, 
both in England and the United States. 

A few days of rest on my part, and preparation of 
the friends, followed. While waiting, as all Ameri- 
cans are disposed to do, I gave my first Sabbath to 
hearing that world-renowned minister, Mr. Spurgeon. 

As our cousins know a Yankee at sight, I was very 
kindly taken to an eligible pew in the near vicinity 
of the pulpit, and also having a good view of the im- 
mense audience, giving me not only a good opportun- 
ity to hear the sermon, but to study the audience and 
note the effect of his peculiarly persuasive oratory 
upon his hearers. 

At the close of the service the ladies in whose pew 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 47 

I was seated very kindly invited me and my friend to 
dine with them. And as I especially desired to enlist 
the ladies of Mr. Spurgeon's church in our temperance 
work, I thankfully accepted the invitation. But before 
leaving they took us to Mr. Spurgeon's study and intro- 
duced us, and we spent a few minutes in pleasant con- 
versation. Mr. Spurgeon* had not at that time taken 
so decided a stand as I am happy to know he has since 
taken for total abstinence. His son came in and the 
father introduced him, saying, " He is a ' Band of 
Hope' boy," with an air that said, "I know that will 
please you." And it did. He was one of the finest 
specimens of young Englishmen I ever met, with that 
peculiarly clear, ruddy complexion and lithe and fully 
developed "frame that told of no taint of the disease en- 
gendering beverage in his veins. 

Upon rising to leave, Mr. Spurgeon humorously 
asked the ladies if they were going to let us make tee- 
totalers of them. "No," responded one, in the same 
bantering mood, iC we are going to let you do that. " 
These ladies were devoted Christians and active work- 
ers in their church, but like the majority of church 
members at that time (and many yet in that country) 
they had not been able to see the harm of taking a lit- 
tle stimulant for their health, or to enable them the 
better to do their religious work, saying, " Oh, certain- 
ly, the little I take can do no harm. " But upon my 
explaining the greater influence and usefulness they 
would have among the class they sought] to reclaim, 

* Since the preceding pages were written, the Christian world has been 
thrown into deepest mourning because of the death, in the high noon of 
years of incessant toil, of this, one of the greatest Gospel teachers of our 
century. 



48 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

if they could, by example as well as precept, commend 
sobriety and abstinence, they at once said, if it would 
give them a greater hold upon that class, they would 
readily forego their personal indulgence, for their 
great desire was to do the most they possibly could in 
the service of their Master. We spent a profitable 
afternoon with these dear ladies, and when my London 
committee was made up, by my request, they were 
put on. 

The editor of the Good 7e??iflar i s Watchword, Mr. 
John Kempster, called upon me immediately upon my 
arrival, and gave me a warm fraternal greeting, with 
assurance of his assistance, personal and editorial, to 
the extent of his ability. For the brotherly faith with 
which he kept that pledge to the day he came down to 
Liverpool to see me off when I bade farewell to dear 
old England, the poor words I can pen here convey 
but faint expression of the gratitude I shall ever 
cherish. Rev. John Morgan, and Mr. Thomas Smith, 
ot the Temperance Star, also called, proffering their 
aid, which they gave to the fullest extent. I may say 
the same of the editor of the Alliance News, Rev. 
Dawson Burns, and the editor of the League yournal, 
Mr. Robert Rae. Each and all by their heartiest in- 
dorsement in their papers and their kindest sympathy 
relieved my mind of anxiety and filled me with 
bright anticipations for the result. I realize how much 
I owe to these gentlemen for the great success that 
crowned my work, not only in London, but throughout 
the kingdom. 

They, with other prominent leaders of the various 
temperance organizations of London, arranged for a 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 49 

reception on the 21st of January, in the League rooms 
337, Strand. As I have at hand the report of this 
meeting as published in the Temperance Star ot the 
27th, I avail myself of it rather than attempt to give 
it from my own recollection : 

WELCOME TO MOTHER STEWART. 

A meeting was held at the League rooms 337, 
Strand, on Friday evening last, to welcome the above 
lady to London. It was very gratifying to see repre- 
sentatives of all the great temperance organizations 
present, and for a time at least a thorough reunion of 
all forces was accomplished. Tea was served to some 
two hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen, after 
which John Broomhall, Esq., J. P., according to an- 
nouncement, assumed the presidential chair. On as- 
suming the post of chairman, Mr. Broomhall said : 

"Ladies and gentlemen : We have met tonight to 
welcome to this country a friend and co-worker in the 
temperance cause from the United States of America, 
and who is well known in that country under the name 
of ' Mother ' Stewart, and I may say, and I think safe- 
ly say, not only in that country, but also in this coun- 
try to every one who is at all familiar with the tem- 
perance literature of this country, because at various 
times we have had reports of the work Mother Stew- 
art has done in Ohio, connected with what I believe is 
known in that country as the ' Whisky War. ' This 
lady has taken a great and prominent part in the 
movement in that country. She tells me that she is 
following what she believes is the leading of provi- 
dence in coming to this country and hopes that she 
may do or say something that may stimulate the ladies 
in this country to follow her example. 

" I am sure every one here will wish her God-speed 
in this particular work. My experience leads me to 



50 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the conviction that the women of this country are not 
alive to the evils of intemperance, and I very often 
meet with cases in which the woman says, 'My hus- 
band is the best man in the world except when he 
gets drunk ; ' and when I speak to them about it the 
reply invariably is, * Well, I like my husband to have 
his pint.' " 

The chairman, expressing his pleasure at presid- 
ing, then submitted a resolution which he said 
he would ask Mrs. Lucas (sister of John Bright) 
to propose on behalf of the Independent Order of 
Good Templars. Mr. Rae would second it on behalf 
of the National Temperance League, the Rev. Dawson 
Burns would support it on behalf of the L nited King- 
dom Alliance, and Mr. Downing on behalf of the 
United Temperance Order. The resolution read as 
follows : 

" That this meeting of the members of the execu- 
tives of various temperance organizations and friends 
cordially greets Mother Stewart on her arrival in this 
country, and with feelings of gratitude for the work 
she has been instrumental in accomplishing in the 
United States, we welcome her as a worthy pioneer 
in the cause of temperance, trusting that her visit to 
England may, by God's blessing, afford her much 
pleasure and result in a revival among us of zeal and 
activity in warring against the causes of our national 
intemperance. " 

Mrs. Lucas said, ," In moving this resolution, I 
must say that I think all who are gathered here 
must feel very much as I do, that we give our 
sister and mother a cordial reception among us, and I 
trust the experience she has had will enable her to do 
much good among us. She will not be able to 
carry on the movement in the same way she has done 
in America, but still I think the way may perhaps 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 5 1 

open for us to work this matter in a different manner 
than we are doing at present. I do not see why we 
should sit down to all the annoyances of this terrible 
intemperance that prevails. There is no doubt that 
the drinking habits of this country are greatly on the 
increase among the women of this land, and I trust 
our sister will be able to influence those whom we 
have not yet been able to move. Though it is hardly 
likely we can go through the streets and kneel at the 
doors of the gin palaces, yet I think we may walk in 
procession ('amen' by Mother Stewart) and have 
large assemblies, and I have no doubt something re- 
markable will take place, and I for one trust it will." 

Mr. Robert Rae said one of the duties which de- 
volved upon him every day was to glance at the vari- 
ous papers that came from the United States and dif- 
ferent parts- of the world. He was, therefore, some- 
what familiar with the work of the women's whisky 
war, and he had followed the particulars of the work 
with very great interest, and had found the name of 
Mother Stewart among the most active workers in that 
movement which was still goingon, though perhaps not 
so obvious, yet not less effective, than a year or two ago. 
He said, "I believe at the present time there is more 
real effective work being done by the women of Amer- 
ica than then. It has not been a nine days wonder, 
and I have no doubt Mother Stewart's coming here 
will be productive of much good. The need for the 
interest of the women in this question is increasing 
every day. I have applications almost every day to 
know where ladies may be sent to inebriate asylums, 
but I find many who inquire on behalf of intemperate 
relatives, and are anxious that they should be put out 
of their sight, are not prepared to convert their own 
homes into temperance retreats." 

The Rev. Dawson Burns said a very few words, as 
he had to leave immediately for a religious service ; 



52 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

but be considered a meeting of this kind partook of 
the character of a religious service. There are names 
in connection with the temperance movement in 
America which will shine brighter and brighter unto 
the perfect day, and we weicome Mrs. Stewart be- 
cause she is, first of all, a temperance reformer, and 
next an American temperance reformer, and America 
was the birthplace of the temperance movement, but 
more especially in connection with the movement to 
which she has devoted her life. She has been attract- 
ing other ladies in a remarkable manner, and that is 
the great want of A his country. We may lay down meth- 
ods, present facts, and put forward arguments, but we 
can do little unless we have moral power; that must 
be behind everything. We need a spiritual force ; we 
need a divine afflatus, and when we behold, as we do, 
a representative of that great power, we are bound to 
welcome her with all our hearts. I am sure her ex- 
ample speaks ; she need not open her mouth." 

Mr. Burns referred to the work of Father Mathew 
a«nd Mrs. Carlisle in Dublin, and rejoiced to find we 
had a kindred spirit in this lady. 

Mr. N. B. Downing said : " With the estimable 
lady who is with us this evening, I am not careful 
about titles, and I care little whether our friend is 
called Mrs. or Mother Stewart. Her name is illustrious 
and calls our mind to another mother in Israel, who 
when Israel's banners were trailing in the dust raised 
those banners once again and led on to victory. I hope 
our dear sister, like Deborah, will rally the energies of 
those who are engaged in the temperance cause, and 
-will help us to victory and triumph in the great work 
before us." After saying that this was emphatically 
a ladies' question, and relating a touching story, 
showing the influence of one lady in refusing a glass 
of champagne, Mr. Downing concluded by saying, 
" If silent influence can do so much, how much may 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 53 

the ladies do if aroused to energy? This lady com- 
bines the power of truth with the activity of a great 
soul, and I trust she will gather around her a band of 
women who shall be instrumental in achieving a great- 
er triumph in this drink ridden country than she has 
ever achieved across the water. " 

The resolution having been put and carried, and the 
chairman having expressed regret for the absence of 
Mr. T. B. Smithers (editor of the British Workman) 
and Mr. John Taylor, called upon Mother Stewart to 
respond, who was received with loud cheering, which 
continued for some time. 

She said, " I hardly know where to find words to 
express my feelings to-night ; they very nearly over- 
come me, and I can not tell you the gratitude I feel 
for the warm and cordial greeting which I have re- 
ceived, both here and in Liverpool. I feel that, al- 
though a stranger, I am among my Father's children. 
I feel very humble and I beg of you dear children of 
the Lord not to magnify the instrument in God's 
hand, a wonderful work came to us. God called us 
out, and oh ! how gladly I ran. My life was one song 
of thanksgiving. Oh, how wonderful was that 
work. You have heard of it, and have had strange 
and vague report of it. You have thought it was 
some sort of frenzy, and that we by our efforts got up 
and sustained it. It was nothing of the sort. I think 
I cannot be charged with being a fanatic. I think I 
am very practical in looking on things in this world ; 
yet I may say to you this work was emphatically God's 
work. No person or persons, no organization could 
have devised such a work. 

" Nevertheless, there was a process or system ob- 
served. After what we called the ' Crusade ' started, 
in one place, then another and another, the women 
began to come together to pray and consecrate them- 
selves to Almighty God. Some would take a week 



54 TH E CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIxS'. 

before they would find grace or strength to overcome 
their natural timidity or weakness. And strength was 
given them. Yet what a scene for men and angels ! 
They marched in solemn, silent procession, two and 
two, with bowed heads and perhaps the Bible or song 
book clasped to their hearts. I have led out bands 
hundreds of times, but to the close of our street or 
band work I could not look upon a procession of 
women without weeping. I had to be a part ot it, or 
hasten out of sight. Timid, shrinking women who 
had never taken part in any public exercise in their 
lives, women of delicate health went out. I have led 
them when they trembled as the aspen leaf. Yet 
there was something that was so wonderful in it, such 
a power that sustained those women that they have 
iaid, 'I had no more thought of sustaining injury in 
going and bowing down in the street or those terrible 
places than if I was in my own parlor.' I do not 
know that we can ever, tell the beginnings of this move- 
ment. When the Lord in His wisdom sees the world 
is ripe for such a work, He puts it into the hearts of 
one here and another there to carry it on ; and so we 
found in various places the burden of this thing was 
on the hearts of the people. In Franklin, a small city 
in my own State, we found that a little company of 
Christians had been praying for more than a year over 
this evil. The immediate cause of my giving up 
every other work and taking up the temperance as my 
life work was a drunkard's wife coming to me with 
her tale of woe and misery. I had lectured on the 
subject before this, but so dead and indifferent were 
the people that it seemed that I was trying with my 
poor puny fist to batter down a stone wall. But in 
the winter of '72 I had created not a little sensation 
by going into a justice's court and pleading a case, and 
winning it too. A few evenings previous I had lec- 
tured in my city. AYhat is known as the Adair law 
had been recently passed, and at the close of my lee- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 55 

ture I asked the ladies present to pledge themselves to 
hunt up the drunkards' wives and encourage them to 
prosecute the saloon keepers under this law. They 
almost unanimously gave the pledge. Only a few days 
later, upon going into the Republic office, my good 
friend the editor informed me that a case was just 
then being tried in the justice's court and urged me to 
go in. I did so, and the result was, upon the earnest 
solicitation of the attorney for the prosecution, I con- 
cluded to make the opening plea to the jury, the jus- 
tice very readily granting me the privilege to do so. I 
made my plea, and very soon I had the jury in hand. 
The attorney on the other side was badly discomfited ; 
he had not any very clear plea in hand, thought it in- 
famous that females should be permitted to come into 
court to plead. But I won my case, and it made quite 
a sensation throughout the country, the papers re- 
porting ' A woman in court winning the case,' which 
was a test case in our city under the new law. Hence- 
forth those poor women, assuming that at least I was 
their friend, would come to me for counsel or aid. 
Two years ago' last October, a woman came to me for 
help. I felt at first that I must send her away. But 
the next thought was, no, I dare not, she will haunt 
me on my dying pillow. I took her at once to my 
friends, Mower and Rawlins, the junior partner being 
the prosecuting attorney in the other case. After 
stating the case it was decided by the junior attorney 
that he would take it if I would join him, and carry it 
before the mayor's court. 

" It was in taking this case, as never before that came 
the thought, only through prayer could we ever com- 
pete with this liquor curse ; we could not succeed un- 
less God helped us. And so I sent notes to prominent 
ladies of the various churches to come into the court. 
I also sent invitations to the ministers- of the city, but 
only one came. As I sat at the table with the attor- 
neys I sent him a slip of paper saying, ' Oh, do pray 



56 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

for us.' The ladies became very much excited, es- 
pecially when the lawyer for the defense sought to 
confuse and irritate me. It was to them a new ex- 
perience. I went to them and asked them to keep up 
continual prayer, and told them everything was work- 
ing for our interest. 

" The result of this was a verdict of guilty against 
the pubHcan to the extent of the law. 

" When we came to investigate the subject, we found 
that the Christian men had been sleeping at their 
posts, and had let the liquor party get control of all 
the offices, and when we turned to them for justice 
there was no justice there. 

"The ladies of the City Benevolent Society now 
came forward and solicited the co-operation of the 
ministers and with their assistance organized a series 
of mass meetings to be addressed by influential gentle- 
men and ladies in the city. We had been working 
thus over two months when Dio Lewis, of Boston, 
came west on a lecturing tour. At Fredonia, N. Y., 
he delivered his first lecture and suggested the method 
of visiting the saloons, and induced the ladies to go 
out. His first lecture in Ohio was at Hillsboro, where 
they elected Mrs. Judge Thompson, a daughter of 
one of the most eminent governors of Ohio, as their 
leader. It was not the uprising of the lower class, 
but of all Christian women. There were among them 
ladies of the highest grades of society and wealth and 
tamily connections in the land. At Washington C. 
H. there were sixteen saloons ; in five or six weeks 
they were all closed. And so the women were seen 
marching all over our State, and it spread into Indiana, 
Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan and various other 
States. 

" You may ask * What have been the results? ' 

" We can not as yet tell what the results have been. 

" No, but you may say, ' Have all those saloons re- 
mained closed? ' Not all of them. What is the mat- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 57 

ter? Ah, my brother; let me ask you what is the mat- 
ter. The matter is that our men had let the law get 
into the hands of the liquor party, and our political 
parties were in such condition they were afraid to take 
hold otTrt. In one State the liquor men by a bribe of 
$40000 well distributed among the legislators con- 
trolled them in their own interest ; and as long as men 
can be bought and sold for a price we shall not get 
, this thing wiped out 

"Here was their craft in danger, and these men, 
these liquor manufacturers, sent out their runners all 
over the States to say to the liquor sellers, * Don't you 
surrender; we will see you through.' My own city 
was the first one of any size that undertook the cru- 
sade movement. It was taken as a test by the Chris- 
tian people as well as by the liquor men ; there the 
latter centered their power and encouraged the deal- 
ers to stand their ground. We found in the larger 
towns we could not make a perfect success, because 
those engaged in the business were largely German or 
of other foreign countries. They did not understand 
our religion or language, and were rarely influenced 
by either. 

" As to the results of this movement, I have a little 
paper by the Rev. W. H. Wells, State secretary of the 
Y. M. C. A., which I will read to you : 

Ui l. It has called attention to the evils of intemper- 
ance. 

'"2. It aroused public sentiment against it. 

"'3. It made saloons odious in the sight of young 
men. 

"'4. It has resulted in organized effort against the 
evil. 

" * 5. It has produced a large amount of temperance 
literature. 

"'6. It developed thousands of workers among the 
women. 



58 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 



u i 



7. It was a great spiritual blessing to those en- 
gaged in it 

" '8. It has drawn Christian churches nearer to each 
other. 

" ' 9. It has enlisted the churches in a war a.^aint 
the traffic. 

" 'ia It has led ministers to preach on the subject 
faithfully. 

"'11. It has closed large numbers of saloons in the 
country. 

u 4 i2. It has reformed vast numbers of drunkards. 

"'13. It has resulted in the opening of rooms for 
young men. 

" '14. It has awakened political action,, 

" '15. It defeated license in Ohio> August 18th, 1874.' 

" Another very important result is, it turned the at- 
tention of women to the temperance education of their 
children, and to the organization of juvenile societies. 
We have thirty State associations and are organizing 
congressional district, county and local associations, so 
that, while it may not be said that we have been able 
to keep closed all that were closed, or to save all that 
were for a time rescued from the drink traffic, these 
results came up and have been going on, and as soon 
as our Christian men can come to the front and learn 
that their first and great duty is to help save their fel- 
low men without regard to politics, we shall succeed. 

" Moral and political efforts must be combined with- 
out regard to the various names fry which they are 
called. Our watchword in America is, ' Stand to- 
gether, ' stand shoulder to shoulder, for only by united 
force can we conquer. • This theme should occupy 
all our thoughts and all our hearts, for the great cen- 
tral truth in it is that it is God's work. 

" It is the first great movement in the temperance 
enterprise that can be called a decidedly religious 
work. We must take all who will work, all who will 
be on our side. In many places the work was done 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 59 

by a dozen women. As I sat here to-night, I thought, 
Oh, what a power these dear friends have if they only 
knew it. Oh, my brothers and sisters, if you will only 
consecrate yourselves to this work to-night, an influence 
shall go out, the sound whereof shall be heard to the 
ends of the earth. The Bible says, ' One shall chase a 
thousand, and two shall put ten thousand to flight. ' 
Let us multiply that number here to-night, and see 
what could be done. I do not come to inaugurate the 
band movement, yet if God should move the women 
of England out I shall be there with them; you do 
not know the effect it would have. I think your laws 
would allow women to move out in solemn procession 
without being interrupted. I led out a thousand 
women at one time in the streets of Pittsburgh and 
wherever the work was inaugurated the people were 
affected to tears. 

"In this London to-night many souls are tumbling 
into hell. We have divorced religion and temperance 
and now we are reaping the consequences. 

" Oh, I pray you to go down and see how low my 
Christ went to save souls, and then try to follow His ex- 
ample. When in Liverpool on Monday morning I went 
to the police court. There were two hundred and fifty 
or more brought up for being drunk. And there sat the 
representative of the laws of this great nation passing 
judgment upon those people that the laws had given 
the right to get drunk. Sisters, among that number a 
large proportion were of our own sex, and many of 
them were subjects of shame and crime.- I noticed 
one with two little babies in her arms, one of the 
mothers of this land brought up for being drunk. She 
was sent to jail and Mr. Collingshas since written me 
that she died the next day. 

"Oh, my God, where shall it all end? Will you 
join with me, my friends, in prayer, that God will have 
mercy, and will you share with me the joy of seeking 
and saving these souls?" 



60 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Mr. Clegg, of Sheffield, spoke as a representa- 
tive of the British Temperance league, Mr. B. Herring 
of the Band of Hope Union, and Mr. Vincent of the 
Juvenile Templars. Mrs. Jack explained the steps 
taken to form a females' praying band in Bunhill 
Row. Mrs. Watson spoke of her work among the 
women of America especially in the neighborhood of 
Five Points, Home of Industry and the Bowery, New 
York. Mr. Paton advocated seeking God's power. 
Rev. John Morgan invited Mrs. Stewart to occupy 
his pulpit for her first meeting, saying if the invitation 
was accepted it would be the first time it had been 
oflered to or occupied by a lady. He trusted other 
churches would be opened to our distinguished visitor, 
and urged appealing to the Christian churches on the 
subject. Mrs. Hilton advocated sending a deputation 
of women to Parliament, and Mrs. Lucas suggested 
that a committee of ladies should be formed to act with 
Mother Stewart. And the following committee was 
accordingly formed : Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Watson, Mrs. 
Bannister, Mrs. Thaxter, Mrs. Hilton, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. 
Jack, Mrs. Chamberlain, Mrs. Saunders, Mrs. Fucher, 
Mrs. Dawson Burns, Mrs. Booth [the lady w 7 ho has 
become so noted the world over in connection with 
her husband, General Booth, of the Salvation Army], 
Mrs. Insul ; also Messrs. Downing, Burns, Hilton, 
Booth, Morgan, Rae, Kempster, and Thomas. The 
meeting was closed after the usual thanks to the chair- 



Mr. John Kempster was made chairman, Mrs. 
Dawson Burns honorary secretary, and Mrs. Lucas 
treasurer of this committee. 

My committee took entire charge of my work, mak- 
ing all engagements for and arranging all details of 
my meetings, one or more a x lways accompanying me 
to my appointments, so that I was relieved of all 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 6l 

solicitude and could give my mind entirely to my 
work. In their consideration for the speaker, their 
careful attention to details and the ever prominent 
purpose to attract the attention of the upper classes to 
the temperance cause, and to make every effort tell in 
the advancement of their work, our English co-work- 
ers are examples from whom we could learn many a 
valuable lesson. 

My first public meeting was held, as per invitation 
of Rev. John Morgan, in Barnsbury chapel, Milner 
Square, Islington, on Monday evening, January 24, 
under the auspices of the Barnsbury lodge, No. 1, 
United Temperance Order. Says a reporter : 

The meeting was announced to take place at eight 
o'clock, but. before the doors were opened at seven 
o'clock large numbers were seeking admission. Long 
before eight o'clock every available space was uncom- 
fortably filled. The large audience employed the 
spare time by singing various hymns from Moody 
and Sankey's collection, and punctually at eight 
o'clock Mother Stewart ascended the pulpit, while 
the Rev. Morgan gave out from the reading desk the 
hymn " Hold the Fort." Af er a fervent prayer he 
proceeded to introduce Mother Stewart in a lew well 
chosen and effective words, saying, "There are some 
historic associations connected with old Barnsbury. 
The foundation stone was from old London bridge, 
some of the stones in the building were from old 
Westminster Abbey, and the pulpit was from old 
White Hall chapel, and that tradition said Charles 
the First once hid in it from his pursuers. Whether 
that was so or not, to-night it was occupied by the 
daughter of a king." 

As Mrs. Stewart arose and stepped forward, the 
dense audience simultaneously arose to their feet wav- 



62 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ing their hats and their handkerchiefs. Mr. Morgan 
said, "Now we will give Mrs. Stewart three rousing 
cheers as token of our cordial welcome," which were 
given with a will. 

Thus was the Crusader welcomed by her first public 
audience in one of the old conservative, chapels in the 
heart of London. It made the chin quiver and the 
tears start, but oh, who can know what an inspiration 
it was? 

At this public meeting, as at the reception, the 
prominent papers of London and of the world had 
their reporters, who again and at much length and 
with great kindness reported me. 

Being very anxious that my friends at home should 
know of my kind reception in Great Britain and of 
the wonderful work that was opening up before me, 
I sent to various papers the reports as given by the Lon- 
don press. To my good friend Halstead, of the Cincin- 
nati Com7?zercial, I sent the Temperance Star, as giv- 
ing a fuller report than the others. He very gracious- 
ly condescended to give me nearly a column and a half 
of his valuable space in an editorial. The main poinr 
that I now recall was that the old lady always took the 
Lord with her (which I claim as the highest praise 
that could be bestowed), and that he would warrant 
that such papers as the London Times would not con- 
descend to notice Mother Stewart or her work. The 
fact was, however, that the Times did very kindly 
notice me, regularly sending a reporter to my meet- 
ings. I must acknowledge that it was not a little 
mortifying to see Mr. H.'s rather unfriendly editorial in 
a copy of the Commercial, handed me by Mr. J. W. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 63 

a copy of the Commercial, handed me by Mr. J. W. 
Kirtin, of Birmingham, as I could not account to my 
friends there for it only by saying that Mr. Halstead and 
I were on opposite sides in our contest over license in 
the State constitution. But in the light of recent de- 
velopments, I feel rather proud to find myself in the 
list of the illustrious of the earth that have fallen un- 
der the criticism of his vigorous pen. A very great 
sensation was, some time since, created in political 
circles by the unearthing of Mr. Halstead's very re- 
markable letter to Secretary Chase, of date February 
19, 1863* brought to the surface in the political canvass 
by his implacable political enemy, Mr. McLean, of the 
Cincinnati Enquirer. In this letter Mr. Halstead, in 
a most astonishing manner and in language much more 
vigorous than elegant, attacked General Grant, 
whom the nation with such pageantry and expression 
of real mourning has recently followed to the grave. 
He also attacked others of our great leaders in that con- 
flict for the nation's life, especially our martyred Lin- 
coln, even suggesting that there were those who would 
consider it advisable to assassinate him, if it were not 
for fear that the vice-president might prove even less 
acceptable. Ah, well ! Governor St. John, Dr. Leon- 
ard and the humble Crusader were impaled upon the 
same pen as were the renowned Grant, and the im- 
mortal Lincoln, and we glory in the association with 
such noble patriots. But in sober truth nothing so be- 
wilders the unsophisticated mind as the fact that men, 
Christian men, will submit to the insolent dictation of 
such men " for the sake of our party. " 

Yes, the London Times, the News, Post, Tele- 



64 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

published our work to the world, and the calls began 
pouring in, in such numbers that Mr. Kempster, chair- 
man of my committee, told me it took his clerks two 
or three days occasionally to answer them. I still 
have in my keeping enough invitations, as Mr. Kemp- 
ster said in passing them over, to have occupied me 
two or three years in filling. 

Among the many tokens of loving greeting, none 
touched the heart of the stranger more than the follow- 
ing, published in the Watchword: 

WELCOME TO MOTHER STEWART. 



BY MISS HARRIET A. GLAZEBROOK. 

We give thee a greeting, Sister, 

'Tis the truest, fondest, best ; 
From the women of the British Isles 

To the daughter of the West ! 
We have read with bosoms glowing 

Of thy deeds at freedom's shrine, 
And have prayed with eyes o'erflowing 

For a zeal as true as thine. 

In our midst walks the destroyer, 

With a footstep strong and fleet, 
And the thistle, rose and shamrock 

He hath trampled 'neath his feet. 
Thus the land is filled with mourning ; 

Every home bewails its dead ; 
Rachel's cry goes up to heaven, 

And the plague spot still doth spread 

Dost thou come to aid us, Sister, % 

Come our crushing load to share, 
With a cheery voice that bids us 

Work afresh with faith and prayer? 
Dost thou see our souls despairing, 

Fainting hearts and eyelids wet? 
Grieving that the song of triumph 

We have never shouted vet! 




HARRIET A. GLAZEBROO^. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 65 

But the East with light is glowing! 

And the truth its way shall win ; 
And the blue flax now is growing, 

Which our childrens' hands shall spin 
Into flags, that, proudly waving, 

Shal) proclaim a country free, 
Where the high, the low, the gifted 

Long have bent a slavish knee ! 

Thou art no poor " gleaner, " Sister, 

Born to fill some lowly place, 
But a noble, God-sent toiler, 

To emancipate the race ! 
Well may drink distillers fear thee, 
And thy glance their souls appall, 
For though " great is their Diana ' 

Great will be their idol's fall ! 

So we give to thee a welcome ! 

Tis the sweetest, fondest, best ! 
From the women of the British Isles, 

To the daugher of the West ! 
He who marketh each endeavor 

Knows the perils that thou hast braved. 
. So ihy name shall blend forever, 

With the blessings of the saved ! 



CHAPTER III. 

Comments of the Press — The Woman's Whisky War as Re^ 
ported by "The Trade"— A Pen-and-Ink Sketch of Moth- 
er Stewart — Editorial in The "Temperance Star" — 
Meetings at Greenwich — Naval Training School— Poplar 
— The Royal Bell Ringers— Meeting at Halloway— Wands- 
worth— Organization of the First B. W. T. A. — Meeting 
at Shaftsbury. 

IN looking over my papers I find this in one of Feb- 
ruary 3rd : 

Reports of Mother Stewart's introductory meet- 
ings in London, especially the one held at Barnsbury 
chapel, have been inserted, more or less fully, by all 
the London papers, and through these channels have 
found their way into scores of papers throughout the 
provinces. Leading or special articles have appeared 
in the Saturday Review, Daily Telegraph, Hour, 
Daily News, Christian World, Globe and Christian 
Globe. (These, besides the numerous temperance or- 
gans). The longest report we have seen of Monday's 
meeting appeared in Thursday's Clerkenwell News, 
while the most caustic remarks emanated from our 
contemporary, the Islington Gazette. On the whole, 
tl.e criticisms upon the meetings have been favorable. 

Considering that my appearance on the platform, 
with the avowed purpose of proclaiming war and of 
calling for recruits of women for our army against 
'•The Trade," the most powerful influence in the king- 
dom, was such a new and startling innovation upon 
their hoary-headed, conservative notions of women, 
the favorable criticism referred to was of much greater 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 67 

importance and value to our cause than the friends in 
our country, where it had long since ceased to be a 
novelty to see women on the rostrum or presiding over 
assemblies and aiding in carrying forward benevolent 
enterprises, can possibly understand. 

Had I indeed succeeded in making an entrance for 
the wedge of nineteenth century progress into the old 
world prejudice which had hitherto barred the pulpit 
and platform from woman, however important her 
message to humanity? It really looked like it, and I 
was glad to find many a heart beating with new im- 
pulses of hope for the opportunity it seemed to presage, 
to use the talents God had given, but which, hitherto, 
because of this prejudice, had laid wrapped in a 
napkin. 

But it is an old, trite saying that there are always 
two sides to a question ; on that of temperance, we 
have certainly found that there is a wide difference of 
opinion between us and the liquor fraternity. And 
as it may seem only fair to the other side, as well as 
interesting, and, I have no doubt, not a little astonish- 
ing to my Crusade sisters, to learn how we looked to 
some observers whose vision was badly distorted by 
"The Trade," I will copy an article from the Sporting 
Chronicle: 

There is to be a Woman's Whisky War in this 
country shortly, if I may judge from the proceedings 
which lately took place in Barnsbury Chapel, Isling- 
ton, where Mother Stewart addressed a congregation 
of Number Ones of the United Temperance Order. 
After singing "Hold the Fort" the United Number 
Ones listened to a lecture from Mother Stewart, in 



68 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 



which she described the wonderful things which she 
and her hysterical comrades had effected in the land 
of the Stars and Stripes. The plan of campaign in a 
"Whisky War" is as follows : * A mob of gasping, 
howling women gather around a public house, or 
"seat of iniquity," as Mother Stewart eloquently puts 
it, and popping on their knees in the street commence 
praying for the miserable beings who may be having a 
quiet drink at the bar. That monster of wickedness, 
the publican, is likewise prayed for, the devotions of 
the fair creatures being, of course, conducted in the 
noisiest manner possible. In America, this kind of 
thing, like many other nuisances that have merit of 
novelty, was tolerated for a time, and the results were 
sufficiently startling. Many saloon keepers were 
ruined. Hundreds of men who no doubt visited the 
bar for a social glass and chat, and who knew perfectly 
well where to draw the line between abstinence and 
intemperance, were frightened away from these places 
of resort by the abominable uproar, and after keeping 
up a most disagreeable commotion for a time the 
whisky women subsided into something like quietude. 
No doubt they caused a tremendous sensation while they 
were engaged upon their preposterous crusade, but 
there can be no doubt that, though they have inflicted 
considerable pecuniary loss upon the unfortunate bar- 
keepers, whom they selected for their attentions, they 
achieved no permanent results. A man who is fond 
of his drink will not be reformed by such squallers as 
these, and no doubt those who feared to visit the 
whisky stores at the time of the "war" had their 
potion at home, and have since returned to their old 
haunts. 

If the Mother Stewarts of this country try to im- 
itate their trans-Atlantic prototypes they will not find 
the authorities so tolerant of their vagaries as were 
the police of the States. Permit me to suggest that 
the fire engines be ordered to practice upon them in 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 69 

the event of any licensed victualer being besieged by 
a crowd of silly creatures. The cold water they 
recommend will perhaps have the effect of bringing 
them to their senses. 

Evidently some "licensed victualer" was badly 
scared over the possibility of what might happen. As 
I said, the sisters will no doubt be greatly shocked to 
learn that that holy baptism that came upon us and 
was developed in such grand and blessed manifestation 
of the Savior's love and pity for even the most de- 
graded wanderers from His fold (and hundreds, aye, 
thousands of witnesses remain to this day) should be 
so misunderstood or so grossly misrepresented. This, 
of course, was an extreme case of villification. But 
it was a fact that because of the misrepresentations of 
those papers of our own country that were under the 
influence of the traffic, it had been impossible even for 
the temperance friends on that side of the Atlantic to 
get a correct conception of it. They acknowledged 
their surprise at my explanation of our Crusade, and 
expressed much gratification at being set right. 

After the foregoing rather caustic dose, I trust I may 
be pardoned if I give the following, which I thank- 
fully accepted as a refreshing and soothing draught. 
Coming as it did just at a time when there was a great 
deal of discussion in regard to my mission, the novelty 
of a woman occupying such a position as a lecturer 
before great crowds of mixed audiences, and the con- 
sequent curiosity of our very conservative and decorous 
cousins to know what sort of personage this Crusader, 
Mother Stewart, might be, I appreciated it more than I 
could have found words to express if I had had the 



70 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

happiness of meeting the writer, which I had not. 
Conscience admonishes me, however, to confess, as in 
reference to so many other generous things said of me 
in that country and by my partial friends in my own, 
that I can't think I deserve it, though I most earnestly 
wish I did ; and it and every kind word said to or of 
me is an additional incentive to strive to be worthy. 

A PEN AND INK SKETCH. 

Along with many others, I passed through a steady 
downfall of London moisture to see and hear Mother 
Stewart, at the rooms of the National Temperance 
League. I had gazed with interest on the artist's pre- 
sentment of her form and features in the Watchword; 
the expressive, steadfast glance of the eyes looking 
from under the well-arched, well-marked brows, 
the finely-chiseled, firmly-closed lips, with a perfect 
"Cupid's bow," the full and rounded, almost dimpled 
chin, and the ample, but proportionate breadth of the 
lower part of the face, as well as the wide proportions 
of the chest and bust, so far as displayed in the 
picture. 

I looked again, and noted "the artist's lines" — lines 
that would have delighted Hogarth — of the eyebrows, 
eyelids, nostrils and chin;, the ear, the throat, the 
shoulder, and the one raised hand. Looking once 
more, I noticed the width, height and prominence of 
portions of the brain, as exhibited by the shape of the 
"ivory walls" surrounding it ; the large projection 
forwards from the ear, the full development of the 
forehead generally, and particularly the width and 
fullness of the portions over and between the organs 
of vision, and the height of the upper part of the 
head. The general impression conveyed was that of 
quick, clear and searching perceptions, ready "mother 
wit," breadth and force of character, constancy, hope- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 7 I 

fulness, dauntless courage, faith and perseverance to 
the end, be it sweet or bitter. 

Such were the mental and moral qualities suggested 
to me by a perusal of the artist's lights and shadows. 
These also led me to expect in Mother Stewart a large 
physique ; indeed, something masculine was suggested 
by the proportions of the chest, and still more so by 
the upper lip and lower jaw. 

In these anticipations, however, I was disappointed, 
but agreeably so. Mother Stewart is not of more than 
average height, and at first sight she strikes one as 
small in figure and in features. The lower part of the 
face is spare, the complexion fresh. 

Her voice is sweet, and though not loud is clear, 
and sometimes penetrating. She goes straight to the 
point, speaking with all the artlessness, originality 
and verve of one full of the subject and charged with 
a mighty mission, yet talking naturally and expressing 
just such thoughts, narrating such facts and making 
such appeals as occur at the moment, couched in the 
racy, but idiomatic Saxon. 

One's heart goes out to Mother Stewart, standing 
there pleading for help in her righteous cause. If not 
large in frame, she has a spirit powerful enough to 
rouse and inoculate a vast legion of supporters ; her 
eye flashes, her ardent feelings and aspirations heighten 
the color in her face ; now and then the voice will 
falter just a little to prove how womanly she is. And 
oh, how well — though it may be briefly — she pleads ! 
Hearing and reading her speeches are very different. 
A report fails to convey the native raciness, the inde- 
finable charm of her manner, though in reading our 
words seem to come back to us from over the sea, and 
we can trace how strongly the northern, Saxon 
elements of our language flourish in congenial soil, as 
we look at those sharp, short terms, terse, brief and 
pungent. 

As I listened to the speech, there were running in 



J2 THE CRUSADER IN' GREAT BRITAIN. 

my mind now the dry, keen, searching east wind, 
pinching and penetrating what it touched, now the 
breadth and grandeur of the prairies, and now the 
mighty, rolling rivers, flowing on in resistless volume to 
their destined waters. Something of these was sug- 
gested by the subject, and something by its exponent. 
With an eagle eye the watchful speaker seems to see 
the battle-field where intemperance strews the ground 
with wounded victims — sees where help is to be had, 
and swoops down upon the plague-spots with in- 
fallible certitude ; she brings up her corps of angelic, 
praying women and trusts for the success of their 
crusade, thinking nothing of the appearance of the 
thing, but on y of the precious souls to be saved from 
tumbling into hell. Francis Craig. 

In the Te7)iperancc Star of January 27th, I find the 
following editorial : 

We congratulate Mother Stewart on the success 
which has already attended her visit to England. The 
Great Teacher has said, "A prophet is not without 
honor save in his own country," but to Mother 
Stewart belongs the privilege of having first gained 
renown in her own country, and because of that 
renown she has found open arms and loving hearts 
ready to receive her, in a distant land. Her welcome 
last Friday evening, though private, w r as hearty and 
sincere as could be wished. Thanks to the daily press, 
she was soon introduced to a more extended circle of 
friends, and we had little doubt as to the nature of the 
reception which she would receive on her first appear- 
ance in public. The friends of the United Temper- 
ance Order were fortunate in being able to hear her 
first public lecture, and nothing seems to have been 
wanting to make that welcome complete. Barnsbury 
Chapel, w T hich holds 700 people, was crowded on 
Monday evening in every part, and not content with 



HIE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 73 

filling the aisles and every available sitting and stand- 
ing room, the large school-room adjoining was opened 
into the chapel and soon filled until the doors were 
locked and very many had to be turned away. The 
enthusiasm of the vast audience was most unanimous, 
and the large number of reporters present testify to 
the interest taken in the movement by the copious 
reports which appeared the next morning in the 
London papers. 

We may ask what are the special attractions which 
bespeak for Mother Stewart a favorable reception 
throughout the country, and open an effectual door 
for her in England? And what are her special teach- 
ings on the temperance question? 

First, doubtless her success in Ohio is her best 
credential to England. Her name, "Mother," is also 
attractive, and the unusual appearance of a female 
taking the pulpit or platform on the temperance ques- 
tion is no doubt cause for wonder and remark. We 
heartily welcome this new movement and Mother 
Stewart as its leader. Her advanced age, silver curls 
and benign brow command our esteem ; her self-denial 
and love of souls in leaving home and kindred for God 
and humanity are gratifying evidences of that muscu- 
lar Christianity which finds expression in deeds, not 
words. And yet, with all her childlike trust and con- 
fidence in our Heavenly Father, and her desire to 
follow the voice of conscience and the path of duty, 
"whither they may lead," are to us who believe in 
blending religion with temperance, cheering signs of 
the times. 

Mrs. Stewart does not come to us a moment too 
soon. We believe she has been sent by God to rouse 
up the women of England on the temperance question, 
and it is to us one of the most hopeful signs of her 
mission that full reliance is placed in the power of 
prayer. From intimate conversation with her we be- 
lieve she is eminently practical, and are glad that she 



74 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

sees the wisdom of following the leadings of provi- 
dence, rather than taking the lead in "some new 
thing." As a temperance teacher, those who heard 
her on Monday evening need not be assured that she is 
sound and orthodox enough for any school among us. 
Though a Good Templar, she is not a "Pharisee of the 
Pharisees," but is thoroughly catholic in her sympathies 
with every branch of the movement in England. She 
believes thoroughly in moral suasion, but not less in 
legal suasion ; indeed, the policy of the Temperance 
Star is the policy of Mother Stewart, and as we stand 
forth free from the official control of any party, and 
yet the friend of all, we believe we can most consist- 
ently welcome our friend in the name of every temper- 
ance reform in the kingdom, and wish her God speed 
in her work. She needs the prayers of all who feel 
with her the weakness of the arm of flesh and the 
efficacy of the power of prayer. We ask all our 
readers to help her in this manner. 

Wednesday evening, 26th, by special invitation of 
Miss Mason, secretary of the Union, I attended a 
meeting of fhe Christian Workers' Union, at Nine 
Elms, Vauxhall. This was a tea meeting, and the 
hall was densely packed. It was to me a very inter- 
esting occasion. I had heard much of the noble work 
being done by Mrs. Meredith, Miss Mason and a large 
force of co-workers, and felt myself especially privil- 
eged to meet with and make their acquaintance. I 
also here met Miss Robinson, of Portsmouth, who has 
done such a noble work among the soldiers there. She 
was kind enough to say she had come up to greet 
Mother Stewart. Miss Robinson, in her address, most 
earnestly besought the Christian workers present to 
become total abstainers, assuring them, from her own 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 75 

experience, that they could certainly do as much work 
and endure as much fatigue without stimulants as 
with them. She was very gentle and persuasive in 
her manner, no doubt feeling that it was very necessary 
to handle the subject discreetly for fear of giving 
offense. 

To an American it all sounded very strangely, and 
I am obliged to confess that I felt fired with a good 
degree of righteous indignation. And I found it a 
somewhat difficult matter to be as mild as the occasion 
demanded when I came to address them on the need of 
united Christian effort and example. Think of it, 
devoted Christian ladies so under the control of 
custom and habit as to fancy they must have their 
stimulants to enable them to carry forward their most 
laudable work among those who are perishing through 
the same custom and habit! 

So are we influenced by our surroundings and the 
sentiments and usages of the people with whom we 
are associated. 

Thursday evening; 27th, by invitation of Rev. John 
Morgan, I occupied his pulpit for him, preaching to a 
large and attentive audience, the pastor being engaged 
to address a temperance meeting at Vauxhall. My 
sermon appeared at length in the next issue of the 
Temperance Star, 

Friday afternoon I addressed a ladies' conference at 
Woolwich, an earnest and prayerful assembly, after 
which I met a select company of Christian workers at a 
tea meeting given by Mrs. Wait, a co-worker with Mrs. 
Lucas and other noble women for the rescue of the 
fallen and for the repeal of the infamous law known 



76 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

as the "social disease act" — a law that in the years to 
come will cause every true Englishman to blush with 
shame. In the evening I addressed an immense meet- 
ing in South Street Baptist Congregational church 
Greenwich. It was an occasion of much interest to 
me to have the privilege of addressing an audience on 
my all-absorbing theme in that old historic town. 
Says the paper before me : 

Long before the doors were opened a compact crowd 
was patiently waiting in all the streets leading to the 
chapel, and on Mother Stewart's making her appear- 
once she was vociferously cheered. The enthusiastic 
crowd having settled down, the proceedings com- 
menced at 7 :7,o with prayer and singing of hymns, 
and Mrs. Stewart immediately afterwards walked 
briskly into the pulpit and electrified her audience by 
her address. Long before she had concluded her ad- 
dress it could be seen that most of her hearers, 
especially the women, were profoundly impressed by 
the description of the wonderful results accomplished 
by the crusaders in America. In conclusion, Mother 
Stewart expressed the hope that God would instill into 
the hearts of her audience the same zeal and resolution 
to combat with the great evil that cursed dear old 
England. 

The next day I took advantage of my opportunity 
to visit the Greenwich Hospital and the Observatory 
Well, I did not quite visit the observatory, but with 
my friend I called at the building and was received by 
a lady who explained that the superintendent was 
absent, and with much apparent regret explained, 
also, that women were not admitted to the Observatory 
proper. Again I was reminded of my old friend Dr. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 77 

A.'s very sage observation always under such circum- 
stances, "Served you right ; you had no business to be 
a woman." However, that locality in the building in 
which Greenwich longitude is reckoned was pointed 
out to us. 

But we did find cordial admission to the Naval 
Training School, and took much interest in going over 
the institution, noticing the perfect discipline, the 
neatness and order of all its departments and appoint- 
ments. And at night, by previous invitation of Mr. 
Sims, superintendent of the Band of Hope connected 
with the school, I addressed a meeting of the boys in 
the gymnasium, a large and elegant hall. All the 
boys, numbering six hundred, precisely at the moment 
announced, and with the most perfect military pre- 
cision, filed in and took their seats. Captain Burney 
and his family, with other officers of the institution, 
were present ; but the public were not admitted, 
owing to the Lords of the Admiralty's strict prohibi- 
tion, as for some reason best known to themselves they 
do not approve of lectures made to the students being 
made public. 

But what a bright-faced set of small Englishmen 
they were, and how nice they looked in their uniform ! 
How well they behaved, and what respectful attention 
they gave, and whal^a rousing vote of thanks they 
gave the speaker at the close of the address ! It was 
really one of my most interesting audiences. But, 
best of all, when Mr. Sims announced that any who 
desired to sign the pledge could remain while the 
others passed out, eighty-two remained and signed the 
pledge. Nearly four hundred were already members 



j8 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

of Mr. Sims' Band of Hope, and already many had 
gone out with the principles of total abstinence firmly 
established in their characters. Now, I bethink me 
that the Queen of England is my debtor for enlisting 
so large a number of her prospective navy in the army 
of total abstinence. 

They are, in all probability, to-day doing manly 
service on the high seas, and all the more valuable 
because they became abstainers before the fatal habit of 
drink was fastened upon them. I'll mention the little 
obligation when I see her majesty. 

Monday, January 31st, I addressed a meeting at 
Town Hall, Poplar, Mr. John Hilton presiding. Here, 
besides the usual music, I was favored by the exquisite 
rendering of several pieces of music by the world re- 
nowned Royal Bell Ringers, under Mr. Miller's man- 
agement. This unrivaled troupe have on several 
occasions been invited to perform in the presence of 
the royal family. In the years since they have paid 
several visits to the United States, winning unbounded 
admiration everywhere. No musical troupe ever 
visited my own city who can draw so large an 
audience as the Royal Bell Ringers. Again comes up 
any "best of all ;" they are total abstainers and Good 
Templars. At the conclusion of our meeting we were 
served with tea. # 

Tuesday evening, February 1st, I addressed another 
crowded house in Grafton Road Chapel, Holloway, 
Rev. Mr. Forbs, the pastor, presiding. I found him 
not only a devoted minister, but also a live and earnest 
advocate of total abstinence, and of all practical 
methods that have for their object the overthrow of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 79 

the kingdom and power of King Alcohol, who is, by 
the way, much more firmly established on his throne 
to-day than is she who wears the glittering diadem of 
that great kingdom in the midst of the seas. 

Wednesday afternoon I met a conference of ladies 
in the Lecture Hall, Victoria Chapel, Wandsworth 
Road, Rev. Mr. Henderson, the pastor, presiding. There 
were several gentlemen present, who manifested a 
deep interest in our proceedings, giving valuable help 
and encouraging words. Among them I recall 
especially Mr. Robert Rae, editor of the League 
Journal, Mr. Owens, of the U. K. Alliance, and Mr. 
Fucher. Here, after the tea drinking, we proceeded 
to organize the first British Women's Christian Tem- 
perance Association, Mrs. Beaty, a lady of wealth and 
position, being unanimously elected president, and 
Mrs. Denholm, now of Drumgool, South Africa, 
secretary. Mrs. Beaty has some years since passed 
away. I am glad to know that sister Denholm has 
been a faithful and most efficient laborer in our cause, 
and is now vice-president of the World's W. C. T. U. 
for the dark continent. The sisters entered into the 
work with mueh enthusiasm and determination, and, 
I may say, the brethren too, for a goodly number of 
them became honorary members. Wandsworth is a 
district in which no licenses are granted. 

At night, by previous arrangement and invitation of 
Mr. Swindlehurst, secretary and manager of the 
Shaftsbury Park estate, I addressed another great 
crowd of eager humanity in Shaftsbury Hall, Laven- 
der Hill. What interest and enthusiasm ! And what 
a contrast in the appearance of the working class here 



80 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

from that of the same class in other parts of this great 
liquor-cursed city ! 

This is a large estate of practical prohibition, and 
you are at once struck upon coming into it with the 
unmistakable evidence in the intelligent faces and 
happy, contented air of the people. You see it in the 
quiet, orderly appearance of the streets, in the neat, 
home-like tenements, the tidy grass plots in front, the 
clean, orderly appearance within, as you give a glance 
in passing, the few bright flower pots in the windows. 
Though this oasis in the great Sahara of drink is only 
walled in by the invisible lines of the real estate 
owners, the difference is so marked that you have no 
need to have your attention called to it. It is observ- 
able as soon as you enter the streets. 

When men see, set before them, the practical work- 
ings of prohibition, in the thrift and comfort of a 
community, oh, why, why will they not be convinced ? 
With sadness and grief I am writing this, for only a 
few days since the news has come to us of the death 
of that noble specimen of Christian philanthropy, 
Lord Shaftsbury, the originator of this scheme for 
better homes and sober lives for the working class ; 
this, however, being one of a life full of good works 
and beneficence for his fellowmen. A great and 
mighty prince among men has indeed fallen. Well 
may the nation mourn, for he has left few like him. 
Who shall be found among all the great and noble of 
England to take up his work where he laid it down ? 

This meeting was presided over by Mrs. Hayward, 
a minister of the Free Methodist denomination, a 
most earnest worker and eloquent speaker. As the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. tfl 

large audience filed past the rostrum to take me by 
the hand and give me the various words of blessing 
and cheer, one aged, feeble man drew me down and in 
an under tone told me how he had spent several years 
of a dissipated life in New York ; how badly they 
had treated him and how often they had him before 
the police court and in the "Toombs." His appear- 
ance gave evidence of a changed life, and I was sure 
he was glad of that haven of security. 



CHAPTER IV. 

A Call to the Women to Organize for Work— Lambeth Baths 
— Incident of the Meeting — Song of Welcome by J. Ander- 
son — Stepny Green Tabernacle — Formation of Second 
Woman's Association in London— At Great Central Hall 
Bishop's Gate— Phrenological and Physiological Descrip- 
tion of Mother Stewart. 

OUR good friends on the other side knew how to 
keep one busy, and I liked it. Oh, I would that 
I had the physical strength to go on thus always ! 
How it stirs the blood and animates and inspires the 
soul ! 

My calls became so numerous and importunate that 
I deemed it necessary to send out the following letter : 

TO THE WOMEN OF ENGLAND. 

Dear Sisters : — Having, since my arrival in Eng- 
land, received so many invitations from all parts of 
•the kingdom to come and address you, or labor with 
you in behalf of our great temperance movement, I 
take this method ot acknowledging the same, and 
assuring you of the pleasure it would give me to meet 
and talk with you of our blessed work of rescuing the 
perishing. It would be a source of happiness to 
mingle my prayers with yours, that the Lord might 
bless the efforts put forth to stay the tide of sin and 
misery caused by drink. But my failing strength ad- 
monishes me that, humanly speaking, it will be im- 
possible for me to do all the work that has come to 
my hands. Besides, imperative duty seems to call me 
home early in the summer. I will, however, with 
God's grace and assistance, try to meet all the calls 1 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 83 

can in the time allotted for my stay. In the meantime 
let me ask that each and all who have access to the 
throne of grace pray most earnestly that our Father 
may pour out His spirit upon the people ; and 
especially that the women of England may be awak- 
ened to a sense of their duty and responsibility on the 
subject. Without God's blessing all our efforts will 
be unavailing. Let me also ask you, my dear sisters, 
not to wait for my coming, but come together at once, 
form your praying associations and commence pleading 
at the throne for wisdom, guidance and blessing upon 
your work. God will hear and answer. We have, in 
the far West, proved Him to be a prayer-hearing and 
a prayer-answering God. Only through prayer, that 
power that "moves the arm that moves the world," 
can we ever prevail against this gigantic enemy of all 
happiness. 

I shall be most happy, upon visiting such points as 
I shall be able to reach, to find the women already 
organized and at work. Do not, my dear sisters, wait 
for human aid, but look to God and He will give it. 
Already several associations of earnest workers have 
been organized in London, and I hope to hear of many 
more. The president of our national association, Mrs. 
Wittenmyre, sends by me her greetings to our sisters 
of Great Britain, urging them to organize at once for 
prayer and work, and elect delegates to represent 
them in our international convention in America next 
June — the first for women the world has ever known. 
Let us work on and pray on, for we shall* in due time 
reap if we faint not. 

Yours in the bonds of Christ, 

Mrs. E. D. Stewart. 

I was, henceforth, too busy to read the criticisms, 
except as I read them in the interested and absorbed 
countenances of the throngs that attended my meet- 
ings. But my meetings continued to be reported. 



84 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

Very often my addresses were also reported at more or 
less length. If I had been dependent upon two or three 
written or memorized speeches, I would soon have 
been left in a sorry fix. 

Thursday evening, February 3d, I found myself at 
Lambeth Baths, mixed up in a political meeting 
called to promote the interest of Sir Wilfred Law- 
son's Permissive Bill, in the borough of Lambeth, 
but I did not in the least feel badly about it. For 
on this occasion, as ever before and since, while I have 
insisted that we must cry to and depend upon God alone 
for help and for His blessing upon our efforts, all the 
time using our best endeavors to win back the erring 
from the paths of sin, I have maintained that common 
sense dictates that we must enact and enforce prohibi- 
tory laws against this greatest of all (as we do against 
other) crimes. It was certainly rather a startling 
innovation though, upon the usages of the country, 
for a woman, an alien, at that, to appear on the plat- 
form with gentlemen to discuss their political prob- 
lems with them. I am not sure but something of the 
kind was mentioned in introducing me. However, 
from a pretty full report of my speech in the proceed- 
ings of the meeting before me, if the apparent vanity 
may be pardoned, I should say I "guess" I made 
considerable of a stagger in handling English rum 
politics and laws by the side of the notables that par- 
ticipated that evening. 

The hall is an immense structure, as its name indi- 
cates ; in the summer season used for bathing purposes, 
and in the winter floored down for use as a public 
hall. It was crowd d to its utmost capacity ; the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 85 

number present was estimated quite variously, ranging 
between four and five thousand. 

Mr. George Livesey, president Lambeth Permissive 
Bill Association, presided, with Mr. John Kempster, 
Mr. J. C. Campbell, Rev. J. M. Murry, Mr. Pitman, 
Mr. Fucher, Mr. King and Mr. Lester on the platform. 
I was greeted by the audience with rousing cheers, 
and I was, I may admit, not a little flattered to hear it 
announced that the usual exercises would be varied by 
the rendering of a song of welcome to Mother 
Stewart, by Mr. John Anderson, the author. The 
audience joined heartily in the chorus. 

While the preliminary exercises of opening, passing 
a resolution of welcome, also in reference to the 
subject to be discussed, were in progress, I was busy 
casting about tor material for my use. And seeing a 
young woman sitting not far from the platform with a 
sweet little baby of about ten months in her arms 
(evidently her first, by the motherly pride she man- 
ifested), I turned to a lady standing near and whis- 
pered to her to try to reach the woman with the baby, 
and ask her if she would hand me her baby upon a 
given signal. She delivered the request, and the little 
mother signified by a nod that she would. After I 
had gotten pretty well along in my speech, I gave the 
quiet nod and she crowded her way to the platform 
which was a very high one, and reached her baby up. 
I bent over, and taking it held it aloft, while the 
audience made the welkin ring with their cheers. Of 
course, they could not imagine what it meant, but it 
was a novel movement for a speaker, and the audience 
concluded just there was where the cheers ought to 



&6 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

come in, and they gave them with a will and compound' 
interest. I must not forget to say that the baby, of 
whom any mother might have been proud, performed 
her part admirably, taking the whole affair calmly, 
though manifesting quite an interest in the cheering. 

When the audience had quieted down, I appealed to 
them in behalf of that baby as the representative of 
all the babies of England that suffered through the 
drink curse. 

"Sensation," you say? Yes, why not? I hold that 
any means that will arrest and rivet the attention of 
your hearers, and at the same time carry conviction to 
iheir hearts of the righteousness of your cause, is 
legitimate, and there is no reason why it may not be 
used. In this instance it was a very effective card. 
The mother of my baby afterwards very kindly sent 
me a photograph of herself and baby. 

I append here the song of welcome as sung by Mr. 
J. Anderson : 

The war of progress deepens, though we hear no tap of drum, 

But from east and west they gather, and from north and south they come ; 

And no battle cry was ever heard more worthy of our choice 

Than that which shields our public rights and guards our private joys. 

CHORUS. — Let us welcome Mother Stewart, let us welcome her with glee, 
As the leader of a sacred band from lands across the sea ; 
There is something in her princely name, but far more in her deeds, 
To make us join the holy cause for which she nobly pleads. 

The sting of an envenomed scourge, too long in silence borne, 
Has entered woman's heart at last, with all its ills forlorn, 
And made her cast her diffidence and gentleness aside 
To grapple with the cursing drink, whatever may betide. 

Chorus. — Let us welcome Mother Stewart, etc. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 87 

There is a trust that far outweighs all else the earth contains, 
And that in woman's guardianship for life or death remains 
To watch o'er all that makes sweet home a little heaven below ; 
But there the blasting drink intrudes and strikes its hardest blow. 
Chorus.— Let us welcome Mother Stewart etc. 

By our fireside, liquor stricken, by our children led astray, 
In the woman's war we'll labor, for the women's war we'll pray; 
May its fires grow hot and hotter, may its hero bands increase, 
For until this battle's fought and won our homes shall have no peace. 
Chorus.— Let us welcome Mother Stewart, etc. 

The mainspring of our earthly joys we place in woman's hand, 
And all that would disturb its pulse must perish from our land; 
Strong drink disturbs its harmony, and puts it out of tune, 
So woman's work for woman's weal has not begun too soon. 
Chorus. — Let us welcome Mother Stewart, etc. 

Friday evening, February 4th, I addressed a meeting 
in the Stepny Green Tabernacle — a large building and 
a crowded and enthusiastic audience. I see in a report 
of the meeting that I took occasion to refer to the 
drinking habit so prevalent among the clergy and 
ministers, adding that it was an unusual thing for a 
minister in our country to taste a drop of intoxicating 
beverages. A minister that would do so would very 
soon lose both caste and influence in the community, 
and would be looked upon as having dishonored his 
sacred calling. Such assertions were considered by 
my non-abstaining hearers as very strong language, 
and they were unable to take them without several 
grains of allowance. 

After the lecture we proceeded to form the second 
Women's Association for London, electing Mrs. Marie 
Hilton, president, Mrs. Fletcher, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. 
Flude, Mrs. Warner, Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Hall, 



88 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

vice-presidents ; Miss Hilton, secretary, and Miss 
Harris assistant secretary, with a committee of twenty- 
four ladies and an advisory committee of twenty-three 
gentlemen. Arrrangements were made for a weekly 
prayer meeting and for a general meeting to complete 
the organization. 

I have already spoken of Mrs. Hilton's faith institu- 
tion in the interest of the working women and their 
babies in RadclifT, East London. Among the many 
remarkable answers to prayer in behalf of her charge, 
I take pleasure in mentioning one which came under 
my own knowledge. After returning from this meet- 
ing, before retiring for the night, she committed her 
charge to the Lord's keeping, telling Him her needs 
for it — a bill of thirteen pounds would be due the 
next morning — but telling Him, as He knew all about 
it, she left it in His hands. 

When I came down to breakfast next morning she 
told me the fact, adding that already had come the 
answer in two letters containing checks just covering 
the amount, with sixpence surplus. Verily hath He 
said, "Before you call, while you are yet speaking, 
will I answer." 

On Sabbath evening, the 6th, I addressed another 
eager throng at Great Central Hall, Bishop's Gate. 
Mr. John Ripley presided, and offered a resolution of 
welcome, supporting it with an eloquent speech. I 
was happily surprised to hear Prof. L. N. Fowler, the 
world renowned phrenologist, formerly of my own 
country, c llled upon to second the resolution, which he 
did in a very felicitous manner. It was of immeasur- 
able value to me to be so warmly indorsed by a fellow 



THE*CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 89 

countryman so widely and favorably known as Prof. 
Fowler. Says the reporter of this meeting : 

Great Central Hall, Bishop's Gate street, was 
crowded to its utmost capacity. Mother Stewart's 
earnest and Christian address produced a deep im- 
pression. Crowds were unable to obtain admittance. 

The Professor and his estimable lady invited me to 
dine with them, but requested that I call on my way 
at their office on Fleet street. Upon arriving at the 
office the Professor remarked that they had a design 
upon me in inviting me to their office, which was to 
examine the cranium of the Crusader, and, if possible, 
discover the hidden springs or propelling forces that 
impelled her into such hitherto untrodden channels for 
women. I -told him I did not care what the design 
might be, if I could only find myself by an American 
fire once more. The fact was, the small fires and 
abundant ventilation that were so healthful and in- 
vigorating to those accustomed to them were often 
chilling to one accustomed to our larger fires and 
closer rooms. It was not a little mortifying to find 
myself obliged to "cuddle up" to the fire to keep 
comfortable, while the members of the household 
would be moving about or sitting in the bay windows 
sewing, entirely oblivious to the cold that "starved" 
me so unmercifully. 

It was a source of great pleasure to visit these 
esteemed friends of my own country, and it was not 
less so to be taken into the homes and entertained with 
such genuine hospitality by my not less highly prized 
English friends. How precious the memory of those 
dear friends, their tender care, their loving words of 



90 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

cheer. As I write, it comes floating back to me over 
the intervening years. And as I sit writing (Decem- 
ber 18, 1889) the carrier brings my annual Christmas 
love letter from Mrs. Fairfax, of Birmingham, also 
conveyed in a letter from my friend, Mrs. Broomhall, 
of Troy, Ohio, a gracious message from her relative, 
Justice Broomhall, J. P., of Surry, who presided at my 
reception in London. Though fourteen years have 
sped away, the friendships formed in those few busy 
months are still sacred. Ah, yes, they have flown, 
and too frequently, alas, have they borne on their 
wings one or more of those dear friends and fellow 
toilers. The lady of whom I have just written, Mrs. 
Fowler, whose life was full of rich fruitage, has gone 
over. And so has my venerated friend Mr. John Cad- 
bury, father of Mrs. Fairfax, who, as a ripe sheaf laden 
with golden grain, has in the past year been gathered 
into the Master's storehouse. 

I had no objection to the Professor's examination, 
for I really thought I would like to know, if he were 
able to tell me, whether I were mentally constituted 
unlike other women. Had my Heavenly Father en- 
dowed me with such faculties as enabled me to go 
forth in this new field, trusting alone in His strength? 

Whether or not, to Him belongeth all the glory. 
And as I have said over and over, and love to say, I 
shall never cease to praise Him for counting me 
worthy. I was much surprised, a few days later, to 
see the Professor's estimate in print, as I had no 
thought that he wished more than to gratify his own 
curiosity, or, possibly, test some of his phrenological 
theories. But since it has been quite generally circu- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 91 

lated, and my friends into whose hands this story may 
fall may also feel an interest or curiosity in the 
Professor's make-up of my case, I will give it here : 

PHRENOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION, 
BY PROFESSOR L. N. FOWLER. 

Mrs. E. D. Stewart has a distinct individuality of 
character, as well as an identity of her own. Her 
head is of the average size, but well proportioned to 
her body, yet her brain has the ascendency, owing 
partly to bodily infirmity and partly to an active nerv- 
ous temperament. She has naturally a strong consti- 
tution and much power of endurance, yet she is greatly 
assisted in her mental labors by her superior nervous 
energy, strength of will and force of character. These 
enable her to labor and endure and perform tasks that 
would cripple many individuals. Her vital forces are 
not equal to the task of supplying all the vital force 
she needs ; hence she is liable to go beyond the power 
of her natural constitution. 

Her brain indicates eight prominent qualities of 
mind, which stand out distinctly in her character. 
The first is the power which her nervous mental tem- 
perament gives to her mind, directing the majority of 
the forces of her nature into the mental channel, thus 
making her derive greater pleasure in mental exercises 
and labors than in those of a purely physical character. 

The second prominent quality comes from the 
strength of her reasoning, thinking faculties, giving 
her judgment, originality, ability to plan, to regulate 
her impulses, to balance her feelings and to guide her 
enthusiasm, so that she possesses not only zeal, but 
knowledge, and has sound, good, common sense, which 
enables her to treat all subjects intellectually and with 
reference to practical results. She acts and speaks 
more from the understanding than from the emotional 
nature. She has more of a philosophical turn of mind 



$2 ithe Crusader- in great Britain. 

than a scientific one ; is more given to thought than 
to observation, and deals more in principles than in 
facts and details. She has the ability to systematize 
and arrange, and is thorough in what she says and 
does. Her genius does not run in the direction of 
music, art, poetry or figures. 

Her third strong characteristic gives her self-control, 
self-reliance, presence of mind, independence, sense of 
liberty, and the desire to act and think for herself. 
She is not easily thrown off her balance in times of 
danger, but is prepared to take responsibilities, if 
necessary, and be a master spirit. She is not wanting 
in the desire to excel, to please and to be appreciated* 
but she has much more sense of character than regard 
for fashion or fondness of display in dress. She has 
ambition, yet her ambition is not so great as to If ad 
her to compromise her principles in order to please 
anyone. 

Her fourth quality of mind, worthy of note, gives 
her energy, spirit, force, resolution, power of endur- 
ance and stamina of character. She will not stop for 
trials, nor be kept in check by ordinary opposition. 
Her energy is too great for her strength, and she is in- 
clined to perform more labor than she ought to at- 
tempt. The combative element is not so strong as the 
executive and persuasive element. 

Her fifth leading trait is sense of obligation, of duty 
and justice. She has moral courage, and is a lover of 
equity and right. All kinds of injustice appear to her 
like an outrage. It must be with difficulty that she 
can restrain herself from using very forcible language 
in denouncing sin and sinners. 

Her sixth distinct element is her cautiousness, which 
has a restraining influence on her executive powers, 
and greatly regulates their action. She has much 
forethought, prudence, solicitude and regard for 
results. 

The seventh prominent quality gives her sympathy 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 93 

with humanity and interest in the welfare of others, 
which stimulate her to action. She takes great delight 
in seeing others good and happy, and is willing to 
labor to secure these ends. 

Her large benevolence has developed in her a mis- 
sionary spirit — a desire to do good — and, if possible, 
to remove all impediments in the way of human im- 
provement and happiness. 

The eighth and last, though not least strong, power 
of her mind is her social, domestic nature. She is 
devoutly attached to home, family and friends ; few 
are more sincere and devoted in their domestic feelings 
and affections. Nothing but a strong, sincere interest 
in the general welfare of the race would lead her to 
sacrifice her home feelings and enjoyments, to labor in 
a public manner, to create sentiment in favor of the 
right. She naturally places the family circle and do- 
mestic influence at the foundation of society, and it is 
easy for her to see that whatever disturbs the home circle 
deranges the entire life, stunts moral growth and pre- 
vents perfection of character and consistency of life ; 
and whoever is engaged in any trade or business that 
tends to break up, disorganize or demoralize the family 
circle is, in her estimation, engaged in doing the work 
of the Evil One. 

Some of her faculties are not large, and do not enter 
strongly into her character, but the combined action 
of these eight distinct conditions of her body and 
mind enable her to accomplish a special end, in which 
she takes a great interest ; and especially being also 
influenced by a high religious and moral principle, she 
has great strength of character in that direction. 

Her history, as known to the world, is that she is 
deeply interested in religion and in the eternal salva- 
tion of the race and in the cause of temperance. As 
she believes that intemperance disqualifies persons for 
the true enjoyment of this life, and of the life to come, 
and that all who are engaged in manufacturing, circu- 



94 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

lating and retailing alcoholic drinks are directly 
engaged in encouraging a habit and creating an appe- 
tite for drinking, that they are surrounding persons 
with influences and associations from which it is 
almost impossible for some to break away, thus 
effectually ruining them for time and eternity. Seeing 
this increasing evil in families and societies, and 
knowing that the innocent wife suffers the consequen- 
ces, as well as the victim himself, she could hold her 
peace no longer, but has been gradually drawn out by 
the force of her sense of duty and interest in the moral 
and spiritual condition of the human race, to take a 
public stand against the common foe of man, and is 
willing to wear herself out in the effort to stay the 
evil, reclaim the wayward, and restore the family 
circle to peace, prosperity and happiness ; and we bid 
her God-speed in her efforts to attain this good result. 
Cook's Buildings, 107 Fleet Street, London. 



CHAPTER V. 

Death of Rev. Jabus Burns, D.D.— Royal Procession from Buck- 
ingham Palace to Parliament House — Visit an Educational 
Conference and Hear a Lord Make a Speech — At Hammer- 
smith—The Women March and Sing Crusade Songs— At 
Woolwich— Visit the Art Galleries in South Kensington— 
A London Fog. 

ON January 31st, 1876, a prince of Israel passed 
from a long life of incessant labor and immeas- 
urable usefulness to his rest and crown. A great and 
valiant warrior in Israel was Rev. Jabus Burns, D. D. 
He was well known and beloved on our side of the 
ocean as well as in his own land. For forty years he 
had been pastor of the Baptist congregation, worship- 
ping in the chapel in Church street, Paddington. 
Known and revered as he was, of course his funeral 
was attended by an immense concourse of people. 
The services were conducted by Rev. George McCree, 
a true yoke fellow and co-laborer. So great was the 
grief of his bereaved people that it was said a large 
number of the poorer class of women to whom he had 
been religious teacher, counselor and friend for forty 
years walked the entire distance to the cemetery to 
see him laid to rest. 

On the Monday evening following I addressed a 
very large and most solemn audience in Dr. Burns' 
chapel. The auditorium was still heavily draped in 
black, imparting a solemn, awe-stricken feeling to the 
assembly. Rev. Dawson Burns presided, and in his 



9*3 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

introductory address said he could say for his father 
what he doubted if even Mother Stewart could say for 
many of the ministers of her country — for thirty-five 
years he had preached an annual temperance sermon 
from that pulpit, and had his thirty-sixth almost pre- 
pared when called to exchange his life of warfare for 
that of reward, but had commissioned him to preach 
it for him. This he did a few Sabbaths later. Thus 
being dead, this eminent man of God yet speaketh 
through his honored son. I never addressed an audi- 
ence under such solemn circumstances. It seemed as 
if the venerable saint was casting a backward look 
over the battlements at his beloved, grief-stricken 
flock. What a privilege did I feel it to be to stand 
where that godly man had stood and had broken the 
bread of life to his people for so many years, and try 
to impress upon their minds the importance of my 
message. If speaker and hearers were bathed in tears, 
was it a matter of surprise ? I trust the effort was not 
entirely in vain. From the report I copy : 

Mother Stewart's address was of a most impressive 
character and went straight to the hearts of the peo- 
ple, a large number of whom signed the pledge papers 
distributed to the congregation. "Have you heard 
what a meeting we had? " inquired a brother who was 
present. "Yes," said I, "I heard you had a nice 
meeting." "A nice meeting indeed. That's a poor 
way of describing it. Why I call it a grand meeting. 
I don't known when I was at such another. Would'nt 
it have pleased the Doctor? There was only one thing 
he would have disliked ; it lasted till a quarter past 
ten, and he always closed his meetings at ten." So I 
warmed up a little and gave in to my brother that it 
was a " grand meeting." Several speakers addressed 




Mrs. M^GARET BRIGHT LU6AS, 

First Pres. World's W. C. T. U. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. qj 

the meeting after Mother Stewart, and the people 
seemed loth to leave the building. 

Tuesday, February Sth, was the day announced for 
the opening of Parliament by the queen in person. 
As she had not done so for some years, it was made a 
great fete day. And to us plain republic folks it was 
an occasion worth a trip across the briny deep to 
witness. The queen being at Buckingham Palace, 
the cavalcade formed there and passed through the 
Strand to Parliament House, through such a mass .of 
humanity as I never witnessed before nor since. By 
the kindness of my friends I had a very eligible posi- 
tion for observation on the balcony ot the U. K. Alli- 
ance rooms. As far as one could see, the broad thor- 
oughfare was one great sea of people. Not only the 
street, but houses, windows, doors, balconies, roofs 
full. The union jack and bunting floated everywhere. 
It was a perplexing problem as I viewed the throng, 
as to how a procession of coaches could possibly find 
a passage through it. But a little before it appeared, 
the police, assisted by the horse guards, a richly 
caparisoned company of mounted soldiers, dashed 
through the throng, scattering, or rather crowding 
them to right and left. These horse guards are a fine- 
looking body of soldiers, and form a part of the 
queen's body guard. They were uniformed in the 
scarlet coat and light buff trowsers with very high, 
fair topped boots, fair gauntlets, glittering helmets, 
with white plumes flowing down from the top, and 
mounted on magnificent chargers. The crowd was 
so densely packed that if one moved it seemed to 
set the live mass oscillating for a square away. 



9S THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

By such move one poor woman was thrown into 
the open passage. She held a muff in hei hand. I 
noticed-before she could have time to recover herself 
a policeman caught her by the arm and flung her 
across the way, her muff flew from her hand and in 
the next moment was being trampled under a hundred 
feet. I don't suppose she ever saw it again. "Oh," 
said I, "see that lady." "She's no lady," answered 
some one at my elbow in quick and emphatic tone. 
Caught tripping for once on the class line, she was 
only a woman, and it was ignorance that I suppose 
deserved rebuke to call one of that great breathing 
mass a lady. At this juncture came an open coach 
rolling slowly between these two forests of people. A 
gentleman stood erect and bare headed, smiling and 
bowing right and left to the people as they rent the 
air with their cheers. Who is it? Some limb from 
the tree royal, certainly. Not the Prince of Wales, 
for he had not yet arrived from India. It is Dr. Seely 
(have I the name correct?), the attorney and advocate 
or rather defender of the " Tichbourn claimant." He 
is seeking a little added notoriety, and possibly adroit- 
ly taking this novel way to feel the public pulse in 
the interest of* his client. 

But a throb agitates this live, breathing, conglom- 
erated animal ; the procession is filing out of St. James 
park and heading this way. Coaches glittering with 
burnished plate, horses in magnificent trappings, ser- 
vants in the livery of their masters, cocked hats, long 
queues, laced coats, cutaway and swallow tail, knee 
breeches, long stockings, low shoes with silver buckles 
(I suppose), outriders, footmen on behind. Some of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 99 

the liveries blue, faced with buff, some faced with 
scarlet. On they come in majestic state, dukes, duch- 
esses, earls, marchionesses, lords and ladies ; the 
ministers of state, foreign ministers. Where is General 
Schenck ? I can't pick him out. There goes the Prince 
of Wales' coach, the Princess occupying it. Oh, there 
is the coach of state, drawn by six beautiful cream 
colored or rather "clay bank" horses. What beau- 
ties they are ! I declare I would not mind being 
queen myself for the sake of being driven behind such 
magnificent horses. Little postilions riding the lead- 
ers. On either side of the coach walk six or eight 
men in black velvet hats with rather large, flat-topped 
crowns and broad rim with a red, white and blue 
band with streamers, blue cloth coat, made loose and 
plaited into a yoke, and a belt about the waist, mak- 
ing the skirt seem full. The sleeves are loose and 
plaited or gathered into a cuff. These guards carried 
each a long spear or battle axe, or some such old-time 
implement of warfare. They are a part of a class of 
soldiers or guards of ' f yeomanry," usually called beef- 
eaters, an ancient order. I afterwards saw the same 
or their comrades on duty in the Tower. 

But the queen, did I see her? Well, yes, a little — 
saw a lady sitting with her back to the front of the 
coach, dressed in white satine and ermine, but being 
on the balcony above could not see her face. But the 
Princess Beatrice sat in the back seat, and leaning 
forward and looking out upon the throng that were so 
eagerly looking and cheering, I had a good opportunity 
to see this scion of this illustrious royal family. I 
wished I could just then have had a "star spangled 



IOO THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

banner" to wave as a private citizen of the big 
republic, yet with profoundest respect paying court to 
the queen of a Jdndred nation, but more to the noble 
woman, wife and mother that she is. 

I am very sorry I did not have the opportunity of 
seeing her. General Schenck, our minister, very 
kindly tried to obtain admission for me to the ladies' 
gallery in Parliament House, but owing to the unusual 
demand by the nobility (the occasion not having 
occurred for some years before, and rarely since the 
death of the Prince Consort), and to the smallness of 
the gallery, he was unable to procure the necessary 
ticket of admission. 

I learned, after I left London, that some of the 
papers said, "Mother Stewart should have been pre- 
sented to the queen ; it might have been profitable to 
both." It would certainly have been of greatest ad. 
vantage to me in my work. I am sure I cannot say 
whether a presentation would have interested her 
majesty in my cause or not. But I was too terribly 
busy to turn aside for even so great a pleasure as 
that would have been. I know General Schenck 
would have taken pleasure in presenting me. 

I again saw the Princess Beatrice at the British 
Museum, as also Princess Louise. I also attended an 
educational annual conference under the management 
of Mrs. Gray, a lady who was engaged in a very com- 
mendable effort to raise the standard of education for 
young women. Mrs. Gray seemed to be a most 
energetic and competent lady, and fully capable of 
conducting the exercises, making the annual addresses, 
etc., but the customs of British civilization demanded 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. IOI 

that some gentleman do this for her. And as the 
higher the personage in the social scale the greater 
the influence, she had succeeded in securing the 
eminent services of Lord Aberdare. He was a rather 
large man, of full habit and phlegmatic temperament, 
and he proceeded in a quiet, dispassionate and un- 
demonstrative manner to present the claims of Mrs. 
Gray's association. It was rather interesting to me, 
because I really did hear a veritable lord of the realm 
address a public assembly, and so had the opportunity 
to get an estimate of the ability of that class of public 
speakers. But dear me ! Why do they "hem" and 
"and" and "urn" and "ah" that way? Why don't 
they say what they have to say and have done with it? 
I wanted to help him, or take it out of his hand and 
say it for him. I knew all the time Mrs. Gray would 
have said it a great deal better and more to the pur- 
pose. But then what is the use of having nobility if 
you cannot utilize them sometimes? As specimens of 
ornament I don't believe they are always a success. 1 
am not saying they are not awfully nice and valuable 
in their legitimate sphere. . 

This organization, it must be observed, had for its 
object the increased facilities for the education of 
young women, not young ladies, and embraced in its 
beneficent intent the daughters of the working classes, 
or lower trades people. I was struck with the fact 
that the arguments put forth and suggestions made 
were such as in our country we had heard thirty years 
before. Of course, the upper class has greater ad- 
vantages for acquiring a good education and a curric- 
ulum of study that would not be deemed necessary 



102 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

t 

for these more humble folk. In order to give prestige 
and win the consideration of the upper classes to any 
benevolent enterprise or institution, it is necessary 
that the name and gracious interest of some one of 
high title or position be secured as a patron, honorary 
president or something, and in this case Mrs. Gray had 
been fortunate in getting the amiable Princess Louise 
to lend her name as honorary president. She very 
kindly graced this meeting with her presence, attended 
by several of her ladies. She seemed to be a very 
plain, unostentatious, sensible looking lady. And, by 
the way, the mothers of all Christendom are indebted 
to that perfect model of motherhood, Queen Victoria, 
for the example she has set in the practical and 
sensible manner in which she has reared and trained 
her sons and daughters. My friend, Mrs. Stewart, 
who took me to this conference, proposed to procure 
me an introduction to the princess, but before the 
exercises closed I was obliged to leave to meet my own 
engagement. 

As an amusing item to us Americans I may as well 
(since I am on the subject of schools and classes) tell 
an incident that a lady told me of her own experience. 
She established a rather small, select school, for the 
benefit of her own daughter, furnished good teachers 
and the necessary accessories and admitted a few other 
young ladies. A miller in the vicinity came to her 
and made an earnest plea for the admission of his 
daughter to the school. It was a little— a good deal — 
of a hazardous innovation, but my friend was a lady of 
generous nature, and so gave her permission, and the 
daughter was admitted. But it was not long till an- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. IO3 

other applicant appeared, this time a step further 
down in the social scale — a blacksmith — and he made 
so eloquent a plea for the advantages of the school for 
his daughter that the lady again yielded, and the 
blacksmith's daughter was also admitted. But bless 
you the miller could not and would not bear such 
mixing up of classes ; his daughter associate with the 
blacksmith's? Not if English institutions were 
to be maintained. My friend had a deal of trouble 
to soothe the indignant and irate miller, and I 
believe she found it expedient, after a time, to 
suspend her school because of the difficulty of 
maintaining it in one grade or harmonizing the 
different classes. If you will have luxuries you must 
pay for them. 

But look how far I have wandered off from the 
queen's procession to Parliament House. I suppose 
it is just as well, though, for I see I have given but a 
very imperfect description of that great pageant. It 
was as if the kings and queens, lords and ladies of the 
bygone centuries had arisen from old Westminster, 
and for a day given a glimpse of old-time kingly 
grandeur and display for the entertainment of us 
matter-of-fact people of the nineteenth century. If 
the good queen shall live to celebrate her half century 
reign, on the 20th of June, 18S7, the magnificence and 
display of the occasion will exceed anything that has 
preceded it. I hope she may live, and for many years 
after, for England has not seen her like before and 
will not again. "God save the queen ! " (The years 
have gone on and I am happy to be able to record that 
the queen did celebrate her half centennial year of 



104 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

reign, and at this date, 1889, is still reigning, the 
greatest and best monarch of the age.) 

At night, February 8th, I addressed a meeting at 
Hammersmith, under the auspices of Sister Durrant 
and other members of the Sisters of. Progress, a bene- 
ficiary association. The women composing this organ- 
ization and others had been so inspired by the reports 
of our crusade that they determined to, in some sort, 
follow our example. Meeting in a specified place, 
they formed in procession and marched to the hall, 
singing our crusade hymns as they marched, greatly to 
the disgust and consternation of the publicans whose 
places they passed. It would be supposable that it 
would bring out a big crowd, and that the meeting 
was one of great enthusiasm. It was reported to the 
manager of the meeting, brother Martindale, that 
some lewd fellows of the baser sort had "banded to- 
gether for the purpose of creating a disturbance." But 
brother M., by prompt and decisive action, thwarted 
them in their chivalrous purpose. As a reporter said : 
"A pretty clear indication was given that the audi- 
ence would deal promptly with any who deprived 
them of the privilege of hearing Mother Stewart." 

Wednesday, February 9th, again at Woolwich in 
Alexandria Hall, but the place soon became so densely 
packed, and so many were unable to get in, that 
arrangements had to be made for an overflow meeting. 
Mrs. Ashdown, a lady of much ability and influence, 
presided ; and among others who participated in the 
meeting was brother Wm. Noble, who has since done 
such a glorious work in the line of Gospel temperance, 
not only in England, but in South Africa, Australia 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. IO5 

and the United States. One lady of London, Mrs. 
Frampton, spoke, giving her experience as an ab- 
stainer of forty years. This kind of experience was 
very telling and effective in that country, as there it 
was the rare exception, and the mass of the people 
had the absurd, but very honest notion that one could 
not be an abstainer for a series of years and yet retain 
working health and vigor. It was looked upon as a 
rather risky experiment that few dared make. 

After addressing the audience at Alexandria Hall, I 
left the meeting in other hands and was taken to 
Hudson's Hall, and addressed another full house and 
enthusiastic audience, Mrs. Josephs presiding. 

Thursday, ioth, I took a little time to visit the art 
galleries of old South Kensingtoii. I was particu- 
larly anxious to see George Cruikshank's great paint- 
ing of the worship of Bacchus. But oh, dear, the fog ! 
And how tantalizing ! I attempted distance, but 
could not see ; near proximity, but could see no better 
It was certainly a dim, but not religious light — was 
not promotive of very religious emotions, at least. 
What a muddle it all was? And I, who had been so 
wild with the long-cherished hope of visiting old 
South Kensington, and feasting my eyes on some of 
those masterpieces of art, went and verily saw nothing 
to satisfaction. There sat artists painting and students 
copying, as best they could, by gas light, which little 
more than served to make the fog visible. Well, I 
thought, I had at least seen a London fog, and that 
was something — something that an American has to 
cross the ocean to get any conception of. 

At night I was again at the great Central Hall,, 



IOO THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Bishop's Gate street, with no abatement of numbers 
or interest. After the meeting I was taken by Mr. 
Lang to his temperance hotel. 

Friday, the nth. I said yesterday I had seen a 
London fog. No, I hadn't ; it was only the precursor 
or first installment of the fog actual, which on this 
morning settled down as if with a fixed purpose of 
burying the devoted city forever from the sight of 
men. The streets were as silent as a city of the dead ; 
there was no passing to and fro. You could not see 
half across the street ; you could scarcely see across 
the room. As there was nothing else for me to do, I 
attempted to write a letter home, which I accomplished 
by the aid of the gas, which diffused a pale, sickly ray 
immediately around the burner in a radius of two or 
three feet. The gas was burned all day on the streets. 
The effect was wonderfully weird and startling.' 
Below the gas jets the fog was of a dark ashen hue, 
but as the light struggled upwards through the dense 
mass it gave the upper strata a sort of bronzed or 
copper color, and one used to the clear atmosphere 
and bright sunshine of our big, broad West, and never 
having been "in a fog" before, needed only a little 
imagination to fancy that the last day had come. 
What would it be at night? 

I was booked for Lancaster Road Chapel, Notting 
Hill, and we got there, though we could not see a rod 
before us. I did not suppose it would be possible for 
but few people to get out on such a night, but I felt it 
to be my duty to meet my engagement. There is 
certainly nothing like being used to a thing. Although 
it had been prophesied that this meeting, at least, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. IO7 

would be a failure, yet before the appointed time the 
people began to pour in, and soon the house was 
filled to repletion. Rev. J. T. Russell, A. M., a 
very earnest and active worker for temperance, 
presided, and in kind and flattering terms pre- 
sented the speaker. At this meeting were officers 
from the army, wh6 manifested a deep interest in the 
cause. Quartermaster Sargeant Hawthorne moved 
and Lieutenant Colonel Brockman seconded a vote 
of thanks to the speaker. The arrangements of 
the meeting were carried out by a committee of 
lidies. 

After meeting, the fog still on, we felt our way by 
the walls of fence or building — had to walk. All 
vehicles had been ordered off the streets, as it would 
not have been possible to drive without collisions. 

On Saturday, the 12th, I spoke at Britannia Row 
Chapel, Essex Road 1 , Islington. The auditorium held 
between six and seven hundred, but was so crowded 
that many could not find even standing room. The 
Good Templars were . in regalia. The chair was 
occupied by the Rev. Matthew Smith, and on the 
platform were Inspector Evans, John Hilton, Thomas 
Whittaker, Esq., quartermaster's sergeant Banister, 
and others. 

I notice in the quite extended report of this meet- 
ing that Mother Stewart, in the course of her speech, 
called on the audience to pray in behalf of several 
eminent brewers and liquor manufacturers, whose 
names she announced as follows : Mr. Barclay, Mr. 
Jenne, Mr. Hanbury, Mr. Buxton, Mr. Watney, Messrs. 
Bass & Co., Messrs. Allsopp & Co., that God would 



IOS THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

move upon their hearts and consciences ; that they 
might be so troubled that they would cease their man- 
ufacture of what was the destruction of so many 
thousands of men and women, and was a main influ- 
ence in leading the fallen women who nightly paraded 
the streets to the condition of sin and misery in which 
we find them. 

This was a piece of audacity that almost took away 
the breath of a good many, I dare say, of the most 
worthy class of conservative people who had always 
looked up to these great monied magnates with a sort 
of awe and profound respect because of the station 
and influence in society, church and state, they had 
been able to acquire through their ill-gotten wealth. 
And especially was it quite shocking to this class of 
refined nerves when, with a not altogether accidental 
slip of the tongue, while pronouncing one of the 
names of those very influential firms, I got in too 
many l's by one. I am free to admit that it was let- 
ting down the standard of the dignity of the platform 
not a little, and a departure from my rule under all 
circumstances to maintain it ; but I felt the necessity 
of an iconoclast's hand to break the spell, thrown over 
a sinful business and those engaged in it, by the class 
distinctions, or, it would be better to say, money dis- 
tinctions. I had no desire to quarrel with the old, 
time-honored customs in this regard, where honored, 
unsullied names or gentle blood was concerned. But 
here was a class of men, by their vicious trade, im- 
poverishing, degrading, debauching, murdering the 
queen's subjects, multiplying vice and crime, and yet 
by this same means enriching themselves and foisting 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. IO9 

themselves into position and claiming the deference 
of the people. I just had to ; could not help it. 

Mr. Thomas Whittaker, of Scarborough, followed 
with a powerful speech, as did that tireless worker, 
Mr. John Hilton. 

Sabbath evening, 13th, at Burough Road Chapel, 
Rev. Geo. McCree's, following this devoted servant of 
the Lord, who, because of his great work among the 
lowly in that quarter of London, is called the Bishop 
of St. Giles. On this occasion he preached a sermon 
on the death of Dr. Jabus Burns, after which he intro- 
duced me to the audience, which the reporter says was 
even more crowded than for the sermon. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Letter to Mrs. Adelaide Stewart — Weariness From Excessive 
Labor — Watchword's Report of One Evening's Work- 
Meeting at Rev. Varley's Tabernacle — Incident of the 
Meeting — Fruitage From the Crusade — Organization of 
the Fourth Ladies' Union— Mass Meeting at Xic-ht— Pop- 
lar— Lambeth Baths — Standard Theater in Shoreditch— 
Wm. Noble— Our American Loan, by Harriet A. Glazebrook. 

IX the Te?7ipera?ice Star of February i~th. I find a 
letter addressed to Mrs. Adelaide Stewart, presi- 
dent of the Ladies' Temperance Praying Union, of 
Glasgow, in response to an invitation . from that 
organization to visit Glasgow. I am sorry that I am 
not able to find Mrs. Stewart's letter among my papers. 
I give this answer, however, as an intimation of the 
work that was pouring in upon me, and the enthusi- 
astic co-operation of my dear, newly-found friends : 

My Dear Sister: — Your most welcome favor 
reached me two duys since, but until the present I 
could not find time to acknowledge. I thank you 
most sincerely for your kind greeting and words of 
cheer, and do indeed long to be with the dear sisters 
of Scotland. Oh. how the work seems to deepen and 
stretch out into almost infinite space! I can but cry, 
••Oh, my Father, who is equal to these things?'' 

My first thought in coming to this kingdom was to 
go direct to Scotland. But my way has been directed 
to this great city first, and I can but believe it is of the 
Lord. A grand and noble band of workers has come 
co my side, and are aiding and praying for me. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. Ill 

The calls have come in till the committee have 
declined to entertain any more applications. My time 
is fully occupied for this month here, then the friends 
of Liverpool have asked that I go to them for a fort- 
night in March. Then I shall go to Scotland as soon 
as possible thereafter, it may be stopping for one or 
two meetings by the way. I am feeling so much 
regret at writing this, for I fear you may think I am 
delaying too long, but it seems there is no better way. 

The dear friends here thought it would be better for 
the work throughout the kingdom that I give a few 
weeks of my time first to London. Then they of 
Liverpool received me so kindly that I know not how 
to refuse them. Be sure my heart is with you, and I 
will be only too happy to join your noble band as soon 
as possible. I do thank you for the words of encour- 
agement and assurance of remembering me before the 
throne of grace. Oh, I am so weak and small ! If it 
were not that I know our God is on our side, and the 
assurance of support from the friends, my heart would 
fail me. The grand redeeming feature amid the dark- 
ness and discouragement is that there never was, any- 
where, or in any time, braver, stronger workers in the 
field than to-day in Great Britain. We will trust in 
God and work on ; yes, even though we fall before 
the notes of victory are sounded along the line, we 
will yet fall full of faith that they who come after 
shall finish the work. 

I am glad to know that Mrs. Parker, of Dundee, 
can join and assist me while in Scotland, and I pray 
that hundreds of good and true women may fall into 
rank. Last evening we organized our first association 
at Victoria Chapel, with much enthusiasm. But I 
must hasten, for I have a heavy correspondence to 
dispose of. I will try to notify you at the earliest 
moment that I can when I will be with you. With 
very much love to yourself and co-laborers, I am yours 
in the bonds of Christ, 'Mrs. E. D. Stewart. 



112 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

My labors were becoming a very heavy strain on 
my powers of endurance, and beginning to tell 
seriously on my health. Not the speaking, for I have 
always been able to stand and speak to all kinds and 
sizes of audiences, and for from one to two hours, 
without experiencing fatigue ; the larger, the more 
enthusiastic the audience, the more inspiring and less 
exhausting. I am scarcely ever so excited or over- 
wrought as to induce perspiration ; yet so full of my 
theme, and so anxious to impress its importance upon 
my hearers, that for the time everything else is for- 
gotten. I have been asked, after speaking, "Are you 
not very much fatigued ? " "I don't know." "Was not 
the hall uncomfortably warm ? " "I did not notice." 
"Were you not very cold while speaking? " "No, I 
did not feel anything. I did not, from any sensation, 
know whether it was you or I standing there. I do 
now realize that my head is hot and my feet are cold." 
There was, always is, such an inspiration in my work 
as to absorb my mind and carry me out of myself for 
the time, and I am not conscious of heat or cold or 
fatigue. Of course a reaction comes, and I pay my 
pains and penalties in the night after such labors. 
But the sources of physical wear and exhaustion were 
first the travel. In cab, in 'bus, down a descent of 
steps to railroad station, under ground, under streets, 
houses, even under their cellars ; halt, change, up, up, 
up flights of steps — never had time to count how many 
— enter another van, now rolling rapidly along the 
streets, over the tops of houses, over the stacks of 
chimney tops, looking down at the houses below, the 
fields and acres of houses. What are all the people 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. II3 

doing that live in them? How do they make their 
living? And where upon earth do they find enough 
to supply their daily demands? Where can it come 
from? And I wonder if they all had enough to-day 
to appease their hunger? Oh, dear, I believe this per- 
plexing problem is going to tire my brain worse than 
preaching temperance and righteousness and judg- 
ment to come. And I must call back my wandering 
thoughts and imaginings, for I am to meet a company 
of ladies and gentlemen at a tea-drinking, then a pub- 
lic meeting, probably an overflow meeting besides, 
possibly another company of friends to supper after 
meeting, or it may be back the way I came to my 
home, getting to bed in the neighborhood of midnight. 
It is a consolation that I do not have to be up as early 
as in my own country. These good, sensible people 
have no notion of burning life's candle at both ends. 
So, as they do burn it down deep into the socket at 
night, they make some kind of amends or equalize 
things by a good morning's rest before taking up the 
labors and cares of another day. But the dinners and 
the teas, and that — to most of us perverse Americans 
— "awful" black tea. Not even liking our more 
" awful " green tea, I could not get on with the black 
at first at all. Truth to say, however, I did by dint 
of perseverance come to accept it finally with a degree 
of complacency. And though I at first complained to 
the dear, good friends that with their breakfasts, 
lunches, dinners, teas and suppers I verily believed 
they would eat me to death, behold you, when I re- 
turned home and settled down to our three sober 
meals, I found I sorely missed my supper just before 



114 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

retiring. So much for habit, quickly learned. I did 
not wonder that my brother S. of Liverpool com- 
plained to me in Philadelpliia that these Americans 
did not furnish him any supper. I felt the need of it 
myself. 

As I had no set speech committed to memory that I 
could rehearse each time, nor even one written that I 
could read, scarely ever any notes, it required a 
strained concentration of thought to hold my subject 
ready for use in the midst of such excitement and con- 
stant conversation of the friends who could never get 
done asking and hearing about our wonderful crusade 
and methods of work growing out of it. 

My faithful friend, Brother Kempster of the Watch- 
viord, and chairman of my committee, very kindly ap- 
pealed to the friends in my behalf to give me oppor- 
tunity for rest, or I would inevitably break down. 
Among the greatest wonders in my experience to me 
is, that though an invalid and a great sufferer always, 
I have been so sustained with strength according to 
my day. 

From the Watchword of February 23 I take the fol- 
lowing : 

MOTHER STEWART IN LONDON. 

Another week's work has been accomplished, the 
result of which it would be difficult to estimate. The 
evident impression made upon the masses at the meet- 
ing is but one feature of the work. The .bringing to- 
gether of a number of ladies and uniting them in sym- 
pathy with temperance mission work and prayer and 
the formation of several distinct societies of ladies in 
different parts of the metropolis are results that great- 
ly cheer the heart of our sister and give us cause for 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. I 15 

thankfulness. We are unable to speak more favorably 
of Mother Stewart's health. Although still very ani- 
mated and forceful when on the platform, she suffers 
much from exhaustion and needs the greatest care and 
all possible rest. 

On Monday, February 14th, about five o'clock, Mr. 
Hilton returned from a meeting of my committee, 
bringing a young man with him for my escort, and 
informed me that I was announced through the papers 
for four meetings that evening in different parts of the 
city. One of these was without the sanction of the 
committee. T. B. Smithies, Esq., the noted editor of 
the British Workman, and to whom I had a letter of 
introduction so kindly furnished me by Dr. T. L. 
Cuyler, had arranged for a tea meeting at Earlham 
Court, his residence ; then I was to go to the Baptist 
chapel at Wood Green ; from there to the British 
Workmen's Hall, Tredgar Road, Bow. I hastened to 
my chamber, made my toilet in about five minutes, off 
to the station, took the train, changed off to another 
and a third, reached our station just as Mr. Smithies 
was about to drive away with some of his guests ; the 
porter halted him and he took us in. After tea, upon 
Mr. Smithies' urgent request in behalf of some of his 
guests, among them Rev. Roberts, D.D., of Edinburgh, 
who were obliged to leave before the evening meeting 
and who were very anxious to hear the marvelous 
story of the crusade, I stood and talked some thirty- 
five minutes. Then Mr. S. drove me to the chapel, 
quite a distance, where the Good Templars who had 
the meeting in charge presented me with an address 
of welcome. I followed, speaking about an hour. At 



I ID THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

nine o'clock Mr. S. quietly took me by the arm, saying 
it was time to leave for the next appointment, and led 
me to the coach. I was driven, say a mile, to the sta- 
tion, then on the train, changed off once, then a cab 
for perhaps a mile to the Workman's Hall, arriving at 
ten o'clock, twelve miles from where I started. I 
found my audience waiting patiently, as they had 
been for two hours, other friends however addressing 
and holding their attention till I should come. I gave 
them a speech, then was driven to the train, thence 
home, having traveled twenty-four miles and spoken 
three times after five o'clock. How it all stirred the 
blood and revived the crusade fires again. It seemed 
for the time that I could go on thus forever. Oh, I 
wish I could. 

The Watchword gives the following report of this 
evening's work : 

Monday evening, February 14th, Mother Stewart 
was the guest of Thomas B. Smithies, Esq., editor of 
the British Work?nan. Besides members of Mr. 
Smithies' family some guests who are at present on a 
visit at Earlham Court, among whom is a very emi- 
nent Edinburgh Presbyterian divine, and a number of 
ministers of various denominations assembled to meet 
her. After tea the company adjourned to the library, 
where the hymn "Dare to be a Daniel" was sung, 
Miss Smithies accompanying on the harmonium. 
Mother Stewart gave a short, animated account of the 
women's whisky crusade in America, preparatory to 
her appearing at a large meeting in the Baptist chapel 
at Wood Green, which she attended at eight o'clock 
and which was crowded. Mr. Smithies, who occu- 
pied the chair, announced that Mother Stewart's time 
for remaining was confined to about an hour, as she 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 117 

had to be present at another meeting at Bow, and 
called upon some members of the "Alexandria's Pride " 
Good Templars Lodge who had prepared an address 
of welcome to Mother Stewart, and which was effect- 
ively read and presented to her by Brother Police Ser- 
geant Thomas Jennings, P. W. C. T., and suitably 
acknowledge by Mother Stewart, after which she 
spoke in reference to her mission, and pointedly ad- 
dressed the young in an impressive and telling speech, 
during which she asked the audience, particularly the 
female portion, to pray for her that she might have 
strength and help to do her work, and in response to 
Mother Stewart's asking who would do so many 
hands were raised. This meeting was all that could 
be desired, and with Mr. Smithies' great influence and 
help in the neighborhood permanent good may be ex- 
pected to follow. Mother Stewart then retired (about 
nine o'clock) during the singing of a hymn and after- 
wards proceeded by railway to the British Workman's 
Hall, Tredegar Road, Bow, where an immense gather- 
ing remained in waiting for nearly two hours and 
gave her a most enthusiastic ovation, the vast audi- 
ence rising and Joining in the hymn "Hold the Fort," 
after which Mother Stewart, apparently nothing 
wearied by her journey, delivered another stirring ap- 
peal, which was listened to with breathless attention, 
the entire assemblage remaining until she had closed 
her address. A fourth meeting advertised to take 
place on the same evening had to be postponed on ac- 
count of the lateness of the hour. 

Tuesday, February 15th, I met a conference of ladies 
at Rev. Henry Varley's Tabernacle, Notting Hill. 
After the address I proceeded to organize a women's 
union, and upon putting the vote for Mrs. Varley, a 
most competent lady, for president it seemed to be a 
unanimous vote. I knew no reason why it should not 



IlS THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

be, as Mrs. Varley as well as her husband was 
very popular with their people. But for the 
form's; sake I asked for the negative. Only one 
hand went up, and presuming the owner did not 
know what she was doing I declared the vote unani- 
mous. "No," said Airs. Varley, "I see one dear little 
hand raised against me." "Oh, no," exclaimed the 
little lady, "not against you, dear Mrs. Varley, but 
against the idea of forming a temperance organization 
in a church. It would be very dreadful ; we have no 
need of any such organization (by this time she had 
risen and got near the door). Get people to come to 
Christ and there will be no need of temperance organ- 
izations. You know the Lord said to Timothy, ' Take 
a—'" "Oh, oh! no," said I, "not the Savior, but 
Paul. Besides you must be sure that you have Timo- 
thv's complaint and can get the kind of wine Paul ad- 
vised Timothy to drink."' But the dear little body 
proceeded in a very animated fashion to utter her pro- 
test. At length I asked her if she drank. " Yes, I 
do," she responded, with a good deal of emphasis, "and 
I am a child of God, too." "Are you sure of that?" I 
perhaps a little discourteously inquired, when Mrs. 
Varley hastened to her friend's defense, saying, "Oh ? 
yes, Airs. Stewart, certainly." The lady withdrew. 
thereupon, and we proceeded with our organization. 
Mr. Varley was absent from the city, but Mrs. Varley 
entertained me, and at night we had a large audience 
in the tabernacle. My little friend of the afternoon 
was in the audience and making sad complaint to 
those near her of the shocking indecency and irrever- 
ence of holding a temperance meeting in the taber- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. II9 

nacle. I have given the above as being a phase of 
opposition to our cause, rarely if ever met with in our 
own country. And the reader will also notice the 
blind inconsistency of the deluded woman, who con- 
fessed that she drank, yet claiming to be a child of 
God, while she argued if people were brought to 
Him there would be no need of temperance organiza- 
tions ! 

After I had finished my address, and while the peo- 
ple were signing the pledge, a lady came to me and 
told me a woman near the platform wished to speak 
to me. I went to her and she and her daughter with 
choking emotion and falling tears told me how a dear 
son and brother was made a wanderer through the 
appetite for drink. He had crossed the seas to Amer- 
ica and had "found himself in my own State, and lo ! 
the crusaders had found him and some dear, motherly 
woman had induced him to sign the pledge. They, 
not knowing what a big piece of outdoors constituted 
the limits of Ohio, thought maybe it was Mother 
Stewart. He had written home such wonderful ac- 
counts of our crusade that it had been the means of 
three more of the family signing the pledge. What 
wonder if my own eyes grew moist during the recital ! 
I thought of my beloved sisters across the sea, how 
they had toiled and prayed, how they had gone forth 
weeping, bearing precious seed and sowing beside all 
waters. Behold some of the seed, having been wafted 
over the tossing billows, was, in this far off land, 
springing up into everlasting life. 

The following day, at 3 o'clock, I met a conference 
of ladies at Mr. John Thomas' Tabernacle, St. Johns- 



120 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

wood. As an item of information to our Western 
people I recall that, as we were nearing the Taber- 
nacle, I noticed some three women in the vicinity. 
One was reading the bill on the gate post announcing 
the meeting, and all seemed to be looking toward the 
chapel with quite a degree of interest. So I spoke to 
them cordially and invited them to come right in with 
us. They looked somewhat surprised, and I noticed 
that the good ladies with me exchanged amused 
glances, as much as to say, "Just hear this American 
woman." But I urged the poor women to come in 
till two of them did, in a sort of bashful, embarrassed 
way, enter and take seats, one quite near the door, but 
she shortly after slipped out. The other sat about the 
middle of the house, and seeing Brother Thomas pass- 
ing down the aisle near her she arose and dropped a 
very reverent little courtesy. It was evident they had 
never been in such a place before. Possibly they 
were Catholics, but were evidently of the lowest strata 
of the teeming thousands of the great metropolis. 

We here organized our fourth Women's Prayer 
Union, electing Mrs. Thomas president and Miss 
Charlotte Mason secretary. I was entertained by Mr. 
and Mrs. Thomas who, I was pleased to learn, were 
disciples of Dr. and Mrs. Parmer of New York, those 
eminent teachers of the way of holiness. I found 
them most devoted workers,' giving themselves soul 
and body to the service of the Master. 

In our conversation Brother Thomas told me of his 
efforts and toils and trials in the cause of temperance. 
Only one of his official members, if my memory serves 
me correctly, was in sympathy with him. Some of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 121 

his members really opposed his taking any part or 
interest in temperance work, in some instances even 
going so far as to withhold their financial support. 
My heart was pained to see or fancy that both he and 
Mrs. Thomas looked careworn and overworked. 
Upon retiring to my room to prepare for the evening 
service, and reflecting upon the situation, I said to my- 
self, now I must be prudent to-night. I must not de- 
nounce the drinking customs of these church members, 
wickedly, blindly wrong though they are, so vehem- 
ently as I generally do. I must not add to the already 
heavy trials of these dear servants of the Lord. 

The large building was full and the people all at- 
tention, and I started off with my full intention to be 
very mild. But what was the matter? I could not 
think of the mild milk-and-water platitudes I wanted 
to say. Only the impression burnt into my soul of the 
exceeding sinfulness of Christians, by word and ex- 
ample giving countenance and respectability to this 
great crime of the age that was tumbling souls into 
the bottomless pit by the thousands every year and on 
from generation to generation. What could I do? 
Denounce it. Well, I did, vehemently ; could do 
nothing else. But woe is me, how I tossed and 
groaned and bemoaned the mischief I had done 
through the sleepless hours of the night. What would 
be the consequence to my dear friends who had virtu- 
ally endorsed me? Oh, dear, why couldn't I have 
done better? When I arose and with much trepida- 
tion and guilty conscience went down to breakfast, 
Brother Thomas met me with the surprising statement 
that a committee of gentlemen had already called to 



122 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ask if I would not repeat that lecture ! There was cer- 
tainly a great weight of guilt lifted from my shoulders 
by this piece of news. But repeat it? No, I could 
not now remember it in any sort of connected form, 
and besides my time was all taken. On a subsequent 
occasion I remember I had a somewhat similar expe- 
rience. I was holding a series of meetings in a church 
in a good country neighborhood, when a lady belong- 
ing to the Presbyterian church in a small village a 
few miles distant came to our meeting one evening 
and asked me if I would come to her church and give 
her pastor a little encouragement. He was a dear, 
brave man, an earnest temperance .advocate and 
preached his sentiments. But that was obnoxious to 
a large portion of his people, and feeling trammeled 
and Crippled in his usefulness he had tendered his 
resignation. Would I not come and hold up his hands? 
Yes, I would go. When I went I found myself the 
guest of the minister. He was quite ill, though not 
confined to his bed — had an affection of the eyes that 
prevented his reading, and I saw he was much dis- 
couraged and depressed. The people were mainly 
farmers — it was a fine farming region and the pious 
farmers were selling their grain, wood, stock, etc., to 
the liquor manufacturers. And though they had no 
regular saloon they had a tavern that supplied all 
their needs, and the keeper was a sort of " Grand Mo- 
gul " among them. His bar room furnished a general 
loafing place, where the good old deacons with the 
rest congregated to whittle sticks and talk horse — the 
"Mogul" was an oracle on the horse subject. And 
besides, though he claimed to be a staunch Universal- 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. I23 

ist, he very generously helped them pay their preach- 
er, and of course his views on the temperance question 
were to be respected, and moreover they, exactly 
agreed with those of the pious deacons. I took in my 
young friend's situation with a painful sense of sym- 
pathy. I could see how I might, by any rash or 
thoughtless handling of my subject, precipitate mat- 
ters, which in the minister's present condition must be 
very disastrous. I would be careful and discreet. 

But what had become of the discreet things I was 
going to say? Gone, and would not return at my 
call. But fierce condemnation of cold-hearted Chris- 
tians and men that dared, with the abundant harvest 
God gave them, patronize and keep up the breweries 
and distilleries did flow into my mind and out of my 
mouth. I even charged them with their friendly in- 
dorsement of the liquor-selling tavern keeper simply 
because he helped them support their church. I did 
not know him, had never seen him, did not know his 
name, but I knew he was an enemy of God and was 
ruining the souls of their boys. I was told afterwards 
that he was in the audience. I did not grieve over 
him ; guessed maybe I had served him right. But 
when I came to reflect upon the kind of lecture I had 
given I felt really distressed, and could scarcely sleep 
for terror as to what would be the result to my young 
brother. And worst of it was I took the impression, 
which would not be very unnatural, that he was not 
pleased. 

In the morning a man came to do some work for 
the minister and he asked him how he liked the lec- 
ture. "Oh, I liked it," he answered, "but some of 



124 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

them didn't." I heard nothing more before the min- 
ister took me to the train, nor for some three weeks, 
when he wrote me he had called a neighboring min- 
ister a few days before I went to him to help him in a 
protracted meeting, but had suspended it for my meet- 
ing. " Now," he wrote, " they had been greatly blessed 
in their work ; some of the old sleepers had indeed 
been quite offended at first at my startling way of 
disturbing their quiet slumbers, but they had started 
right in with their protracted meeting. The Lord had 
graciously poured out His holy spirit and their labors 
had been blessed with the addition of forty-three new- 
born souls. And now," he added, " I suspected that 
you felt much disturbed in regard to your lecture that 
night. Was I right? If so, let me tell you that 
while some did at first grumble our work went right 
on ; and I say, any way to get the sleepers out of a 
burning building before the roof falls in. Henceforth 
deliver the message the Lord gives you and trust the 
consequences to Him." The minister's resignation 
was not accepted. 

Thursday, February 17th, found me again at Poplar 
under the auspices of Eastern Star Lodge of Good 
Templars. I see by a report of the meeting that Rev. 
Mr. McNield presided, but was not by any means 
clear in his mind about women appearing upon public 
platforms. This was not a rare sentiment with many 
ministers and laymen in that country. Not a few, in- 
deed, of the same sort could be found in my own, 
though the crusade had served to awaken many to the 
fact that through all the past a great amount of latent 
talent and religious fervor had lain in all the churches 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 25 

that might have been used to the glory of God and the 
salvation of souls, but for their own stupid interpreta- 
tion of the scripture and their prejudices growing out 
of it. Inasfar as our going onto the platform to 
persuade men to close out the liquor business or to 
persuade men to lead sober lives, I do not think it 
was originally my duty. In this I entirely coincide 
with those good brethren. I never thought that it 
was originally meant that refined, Christian women 
should go into those loathsome dens of infamy to try 
to persuade those liquor men to give up their business. 
But when the men whom God had empowered and 
called, with their business, social, church and political 
influence, to crush out the curse had miserably failed, 
there was nothing left for Him but to call out His 
weak handmaidens. And, oh ! I am so glad he called 
me! A wonderful change has taken place. Who to- 
day thinks of objecting to a woman lifting up her 
voice anywhere, everywhere against the liquor crime? 
And while we have not been able to accomplish 
scarcely a tithe of what we should have done if all the 
Christian women had heeded the call, a blessed work 
has been accomplished, and the women w r ho have re- 
ceived the word and are to-day publishing it even to 
the ends of the world are a great host. 

In regard to my meeting at Poplar the reporter says : 

The room was densely crowded, many persons hav- 
ing to stand, and, it we may judge from the marked 
attention which prevailed and the frequent demonstra- 
tions of approbation, they were not by any means of 
one mind with the reverend gentleman. In the course 
of her remarks Mother Stewart said she could not 



126 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

understand how a Christian could sell his grain to the 
liquor manufacturer for the purpose of putting the 
money in his pockets and be easy in his mind and not 
conscience stricken. With regard to the whisky war 
she asserted that the men failed to do their duty and 
God called the women to shame and shock the men 
up to a sense of their obligation as custodians of the 
welfare of the people. The history of the whisky 
war in the years to come would be very damaging to 
the men of this age. She had heard of ministers of 
the gospel w r ho, before going into the pulpit, went 
to their cupboard in the vestry and had a swig at 
some intoxicating liquor. If she were the church 
w T ho had such a minister she would turn him out. 
(I do not remember, but suspect I was overtaken 
with one of Topsy's "so wicked" attacks again 
and was striking back, and that the audience "caught 
onto" the situation enough to enjoy the fun.) She 
appealed to the Christians whether they expected to 
bring as many into the kingdom of heaven as they 
had sent to hell through the accursed liquor customs? 
She urged her sisters to rise up and enter their protest 
against this evil. Already four Christian praying 
unions had been organized, and they were all at work. 
Sister Hilton af ewards briefly addressed the meeting 
and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mother 
Stewart, as well as to the chairman who, in reply, said 
it seemed to him very singular what a stir and talk 
people always made about a minister of the gospel 
when he did anything wrong, but they should re- 
member that we were "all sinful and should have to 
answer each for his own deeds ! " 

I don't believe the minister could claim much more 
than a "drawn battle" in that contest. 

On Friday evening, February iSth, I appeared again 
at Lambeth Baths, in company with Mr. Joseph 
Malins, G. W. C. T. of England, who had come up 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 27 

from Birmingham for the occasion. I remember as 
we stepped into the immense building and onto the 
platform Mr. Malins looked down at me in a sort of 
consternation and said, "You'll have to speak very 
loud to make this audience hear." I responded, "I 
can make them hear if you can." I had been there 
before. The meeting was arranged by the South 
London Lodge. The paper before me says of this 
meeting : 

Long before the hour of commencing arrived the 
entrance was besieged by an immense crowd eager for 
admission ; and shortly after eight o'clock the build- 
ing was crammed, leaving numbers of disappointed 
ones outside. It was not till a quarter past eight 
that Mother Stewart made her appearance leaning on 
the arm of .brother Malins, G. W. C. T., both of whom 
met with a very hearty reception. The chair was oc- 
cupied by brother Edward Wood, and the City Press 
Brass Band furnished excellent music. Brother Malins 
in his address expressed the hope that Mother Stewart's 
visit to this country would stimulate the teetotal party 
to renewed exertions and make our question what it 
should have been long ago, a woman's question. 
Mother Stewart was received with loud cheers. She 
made an excellent speech, which produced a capital 
effect. 

" From pit to topmost gallery," again says the re- 
porter, "scarcely a seat was vacant at the Standard 
theatre Sunday evening, the 20th inst. Brother Wil- 
liam Xoble presided. After singing and the reading 
of a portion of scripture Mother Stewart offered up a 
fervent prayer for a blessing on her work. Another 
melody was then given by the choir and audience. 
Sister Saunders, D.D.M., next rose and briefly moved 
a resolution of welcome to Mother Stewart. Sister 
Fisk seconded the motion and submitted it to the 



128 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

meeting. The chairman, who spoke of the distin- 
guished visitor as the Miss Nightingale of America, 
called upon the audience to give her a hearty recep- 
tion. The resolution was thereupon carried with 
acclamation and cheers, all the people standing. 
Mother Stewart addressed the assembly for upwards 
of an hour." 

At the close ot my address a gentleman came to me 
and said he was correspondent for a Xew York paper, 
I did not understand whether Herald or Tribune, and 
asked if he could call the next morning as he wished 
to write up my work for his paper. I was not able to 
tell him where I could see him, for I would be off 
early in the hands qf my committee, did not know- 
where. But I was so glad to see a reporter for one of 
our own papers, for I was eager to have my friends, 
and especially my crusade sisters, know what a blessed 
work had come to me and how the dear English 
friends were endorsing and helping me. So I fell to 
talking with him as fast as I could, but just then my 
good and prudent Sister S. who had me in charge 
came up and in an undertone said, " Mrs. Stewart, we 
must go at once ; it will not do for you to talk with 
that man, you do not know what he may write about 
you." I suffered her to lead me away, though with 
much regret. Newspaper friends Lave said to me? 
'•Oh, well, Mother Stewart, he reported you all the 
same." They seem to understand how such things 
are done. But I saw our English cousins had a very 
decided antipathy to the ubiquitous reporter, or inter- 
viewer, whom I had always looked upon as very nice 
folks, indeed rather liked, for the reason that they 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 29 

have almost invariably shown me such favor and fair- 
ness. 

This was called one of the hardest quarters of Lon- 
don, and I understood afterwards that the chairman 
and manager of the theater said "no woman in Eng- 
land could hold that audience." I do not know what 
the effect woulcT have been upon me if I had been told 
that before speaking ; possibly it might have discon- 
certed me and resulted in my inability to hold them. 
I certainly was not thinking of holding them, but 
only of delivering my message and impressing the 
truth upon their hearts. It was to me a fearfully 
solemn occasion. The Lord held them almost spell- 
bound for me. A reporter came to me and said the 
number present had been given to the newspaper men 
by count as "six thousand eight hundred and forty-nine. 
Great throngs were crowding up to sign the pledge 
when I left, but as I was off next day in another part 
of the city and soon after left. I did not hear the re- 
sults for two years afterwards. I was in New York 
City holding a series of meetings and spoke three Sab- 
baths in succession in Cooper Institute. On the sec- 
ond Sabbath, upon going into the anteroom prepara- 
tory to going on to the stage, a gentleman stepped 
forward and handed me a letter from a friend in Liv- 
erpool, saying, "Don't you know me, Mother Stewart? 
I am William Noble, of London, who presided at 
your great Standard theatre meeting in Shoreditch." 
I was very happy to see and welcome him to America 
and very proud to take him on the platform with me, 
and I begged the privilege of brother Gibbs, the chair- 
man, of introducing him to his first American audi- 



I30 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ence. His steamer had just come in. When the pilot 
was taken on he secured the morning paper and 
learned that I was holding meetings in the city and 
would speak at three o'clock in Cooper Institute. He 
landed at once, went to his hotel, made his toilet, had 
dinner, and was at the institute at three ready to go 
on the stage with me. In introducing him I mentioned 
the tact of his having presided at my meeting in the 
Standard theatre. When he came to speak he said 
there was one item I had failed to mention in con- 
nection with that remarkable meeting : that was, six 
hundred signed the pledge that night. 

I must not leave this man, not only Noble in name, 
but in deeds also, without saying that after some 
months spent in lecturing in our country, he returned 
and introduced the blue ribbon movement in London, 
and for more than ten years (for aught I know they 
are still maintained), in Hoxton Hill, those meetings 
have been a continuous nightly institution under his 
personal or deputed supervision, his devoted wife as- 
sisting him till excessive work so impaired her health 
that she was obliged to desist. The fruits of their 
united labors may never be summed up in time, but 
hundreds of thousands through their eloquent appeals 
have donned the blue ribbon, and many a home of 
squalor and strife has been changed to that of happi- 
ness and prosperity. To our shame and their praise, 
be it said, that over there they have a greater gift of 
continuance in well doing than we have. While that 
work with us has nearly died out, or has only a sort of 
spasmodic revival here and there, the English, under 
such leadership as Brother Noble and his like, go 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 131 

steadily on and the blue ribbon is worn not only by 
the lowly or the reformed drinker, but by world re- 
nowned ministers and churchmen and men of noble 
blood as well. 

OUR AMERICAN LOAN— MOTHER STEWART. 



BY HARRIET A. GLAZEKROOK. 



Columbia, fair and free, from whence 

Comes aim and effort strong, 
The tongue of matchless eloquence, 

The voice of cheering song ; 
Once more in gratitude thou'lt see 

Outstretched our grateful hands, 
For on our shore — a loan from thee — 

A welcome stranger stands. 

A stranger ? Nay, for love leaps o'er 

The chilling words we speak, 
When deep-thrilled hearts bend low before 

The sister-frierid we se%k ; 
One who hath stirred our sluggish blood 

And checked our aimless sighs, 
And roused our British womanhood 

To action prompt and wise. 

Blest be the northern soil whereon 

Upsprung this hardy flower ; 
Hail to the star whose brightness shone 

In drinkdom's darkest hour; 
The swordless hand that loves to bear 

Arms 'gainst dishonor's stain, 
And fadeless laurels she shall wear 

Who breaks " The Devil's Chain." 

O'er ocean came a murmur deep — 

It filled our English air, 
And made our hearts rejoice and leap — 

It was the voice of prayer ! 
And by the grand, heroic band 

Who breathed that clarion call, 
The temperance women of the land 

Shall make the drink fiend fall. 



132 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Oh, gentle woman, whose fond breast 

Bears many a drink-dealt blow ; 
Whose single arm, with Heaven's strength blest, 

Might lay the drink fiend low ; 
Wake from thy slumber, for the day 

Breaks o'er a plague-struck spot; 
Hast thou the power this curse to stay, 

And wilt thou wield it not ? 

My sisters, ye whose hearts are free 

From aught of drink-curse stain, 
Raise high the hands, bow low the knee, 

Till o'er this arid plain, 
Whose barrenness makes angels weep, 

Heaven's pent-up clouds shall burst, 
And floods avenging hence shall sweep 

The traffic God-accursed. 



CHAPTER VII. 

An Invitation from a Catholic Priest to Address His People — 
Drinking Christians— Meeting at Wandsworth— Debtford 
—Incident— Old Surry Chapel— The Canna Miracle— Vis- 
iting Places of Interest — Visit to Parliament. 

STARTING out on another week, Monday, Febru- 
ary 21st, found me at Battersee, in charge of 
brother Edward Wood, a very earnest worker in this 
part of London. As usual everywhere, an attentive 
audience and good meeting. 

Tuesday, February 22d, for the third time at Wool- 
wich. In .the afternoon I was invited to meet with 
and address an association of ladies who were and have 
been for these long years working for the outcasts 
and wanderers from home and purity, and endeavor- 
ing to get the shameful contagious disease act either 
repealed or so amended as to make it applicable to 
the male and female sinner alike. They are a devoted 
band of noble Christian women, of whom Mrs. Joseph- 
ine E. Butler, of Liverpool, is the leader and inspira- 
tion. One of the methods of these good Samaritans is 
to hold midnight meetings, gathering those poor wan- 
derers off the street at that dead hour of the night, 
taking them into a warm, cheerful room and furnish- 
ing them a warm supper. They sing and pray with 
and point them to the Friend of sinners who, when on 
earth, said to such, "Go, and sin no more." Sad and 
pitiful often are the scenes at these midnight meet- 
ings. The poor, lost one, hearing the gentle voice of 



134 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

persuasion, the sweet song that perhaps her mother 
sang to her in the days of her innocence, and the hum- 
ble, beseeching prayer, is for the time overcome and 
melted into a flood of tears. A great part of the sin 
and misery in this direction comes from the drink — 
the accursed drink. 

When in Woolwich on the occasion of my second 
visit I had been invited by a Catholic priest, Father 
Cotter, to address his people ; and I said I would if I 
had to take my engagement already made for my 
third meeting from the Protestant friends to do it. 
But the invitation had to go to my committee, and I 
sent a request to the secretary that that invitation be 
especially considered, and if it were not possible to 
give the Catholic friends an entire evening I would 
very willingly address two meetings the same even- 
ing, only instructing the Protestants, out of courtesy, 
to give the Catholics the first hour. As I was informed 
that only one night more could be given to Woolwich 
I presumed the arrangement had thus been made, till 
I arrived in the anteroom ot the Protestant meeting, 
when Captain Phipps, the chairman, handed me a 
note from the secretary of the Catholic association 
saying he would not be able to hold his audience, 
not having speakers, to so late an hour as after the ad- 
journment of our meeting, but if I would name anoth- 
er evening he would have a committee of ladies meet 
me and everything should be done to promote the suc- 
cess of my meeting. But, alas, I had no other night 
and I was helpless. The dear enthusiastic friends, 
with whom the papers had declared Mother Stewart 
to be a great favorite, had determined that for the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. I35 

last night they would have an ovation and excel the 
previous meetings, and it would be necessary for them 
to have the first hour. But with what a heavy heart I 
went through with the exercises ! This was the first 
instance on record where a lady had been invited by a 
Catholic priest to address his people. I had especial- 
ly desired to reach and enlist the ladies of that Church, 
and had long hoped for just such an "open and effect- 
ual door" in my own country. I had indeed heard of 
a good priest commending my example to his lady 
members, but no opportunity had presented by which 
I could reach them in person. I was expecting soon 
to go over to Ireland. Now here the door had been 
set ajar and my Protestant friends had unthinkingly 
closed it on me. They had perhaps half a dozen 
speakers that could have entertained them till mid- 
night, and would have been only too glad of the op- 
portunity. I wrote to the Reverend Father explain- 
ing the blunder and expressing my regret. But it did 
not quite suffice. A lady of Woolwich told me at my 
farewell meeting that she had heard no word but of 
satisfaction with my visit among them except from 
the Catholic priest of Woolwich, who could not get 
over the disappointment at my failure to address his 
people. The disappointment was certainly mutual. 

I reoall an incident given by one of the speakers at 
this meeting which will give the people of our country 
a better idea of the drinking habits of the Christian 
people here and the utter lack of a sense of the respon- 
sibility they incur. The speaker said a gentlemen, a 
professing Christian, once came to him and asked him 
to use his influence with his son, a lad just approach- 



I36 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ing manhood, who had already acquired the appetite 
for drink. Yes, the temperance advocate would do 
what he could, and sought the young man and labored 
with him faithfully and urged the solicitude of the 
father on his son's behalf. Said the son, "I'll sign 
the pledge if father will." He returned to the father 
and reported what his boy had said. With much in- 
dignation the gentlemen exclaimed, "What! I give 
up my drams?" By no means would he consent to 
forego his own indulgence. The friend and go-be- 
tween with a sad heart returned the answer to the 
boy, who responded, " Very well ; he can drink his 
quart and stand up under it. I drink it and fall. That 
is all the difference." It was not long till the services 
of the teetotal advocate were again called for, this 
time to bring some sort of consolation, if there were 
any, to the grief-stricken father who now stood by 
the lifeless form of his son who, in attempting to 
carry only what the father could, had fallen and was 
soon to be laid away in the drunkard's grave. The 
poor man was disposed to reproach the apostle of 
temperance for not being able to save his son. What 
could he say ? He recalled to the father his boy's 
offer to sign the pledge if he would. Did he remem- 
ber? Ah ! yes, with anguish of heart, he now remem- 
bered, and, oh, how gladly would he undo the wrong, 
but it was too late, alas, too late! 

Since I am on the subject I may as well give anoth- 
er instance still in the line of the customs of the coun- 
try, though in a different sphere. At a tea meeting 
here, given by Mrs. Wait, in the course of conversa- 
tion with a sister-in-law of the hostess, she said the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. I37 

Wesleyans had some time before held an entertain- 
ment and fair in their chapel for the benefit of the 
church, and they had divided off one corner by placing 
a counter in front and a publican stood behind it and 
sold beer for the benefit of the church ! " Why," said 
I, " may I tell that ? " " Tell it from me," said she, " I 
was there and saw it." A young lady present related 
how the ministers of the various denominations in 
that part of Woolwich were in the habit of meeting 
at the public house in the vicinity, smoking their 
pipes and each with a mug of beer by his side, from 
which he slaked his thirst as they discussed their 
church interests. Their pipes, when through, were 
laid on the mantel, each in its own place. The land- 
lady knew"to which reverend gentleman each belonged 
and was careful to see that they were not removed. 

While in New York, before sailing, our Sister Mc- 
Clees told me of her attending the sessions of a con- 
ference at old City Road Chapel when in London, 
and that in the parlors adjoining the conference was a 
long table furnished with bottles of liquor, glasses and 
jars of biscuit (crackers), and the ministers from time 
to time, as they felt inclined, would come and take a 
seat at the table and help themselves to a lunch of 
biscuit and wine. I confess that between my respect 
for and confidence in the lady and my ignorance of 
that kind of Methodist preachers, I was in a distressed 
frame of mind. Frankly, I thought there must be 
some mistake. I could not take it in. I had not been 
in the kingdom long till I was prepared to take in 
that and a good deal more. 

Thursday, February 24. — The large lecture hall at 



I38 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Debtford was crowded and hundreds were turned 
away, not being able to find room. The meeting was 
presided over by H. Robinson, Esq., who was a 
staunch supporter of the temperance cause. The 
audience seemed to be intensely interested, and we 
had reason to believe much good would result from it. 
The next morning a man called at Mr. Bowen's, 
where I was entertained, to tell me that his wife 
" went to bed last night without her beer ! " Oh, how 
glad the poor man seemed to be. Now, he informed 
me, three of his family had signed the pledge. 

Friday, February 25th, I addressed a meeting in the 
evening in the Congregational Chapel in Wands- 
worth. This venerable edifice claims to be three 
hundred years old. Says the paper from which I 
have to refresh my memory : 

It was a crowded and attentive audience. And like 
the previous meetings it was a very successful one. 
Mother Stewart's popularity seems to increase. The 
Wandsworth people gave her a cordial reception, and 
the meeting, which was earnest and enthusiastic, is 
likely to leave a deep and lasting impression. 

As the pledge was being signed quite a bright, in- 
telligent-appearing lady came to me and entered into 
conversation with me. In the course of the conversa- 
tion I drew her to the subject of signing the pledge, 
and respectfully asked her for her name. "Oh, no," 
she answered, in the jolliest fashion ; she had only 
that morning got a barrel of Old Stout in her cellar 
and could not possibly sign the pledge till that was 
all gone. This lady belonged to a grade of society 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. I39 

somewhere above the ordinary. But I have to con- 
fess that with my American ignorance of those fine 
lines and shades of clase demarcation, I could hardly 
venture to say just where she came in. The fact is, 
that interminable class matter is about all we plain 
Mr. and Mrs. Americans can manage without getting 
into divers blunders. 

I was entertained by Mr. Frome Talford, a very in- 
telligent gentleman, who had spent several years in 
Canada, and had become quite Americanized. He 
understood America and Americans better than those 
who had not been among us could. 

Saturday evening, February 26th, found me again 
at Debtford, and, as reported, another crowded and 
highly important and successful meeting, Mr. Samuel 
Insull presiding. Upon my arising to address the 
great throng I was cheered again and again. It was a 
very solemn occasion to me. My sojourn with those 
friends who had so endeared themselves to me was 
drawing to a close ; my wOrk that had been so blessed 
of the Lord, and through all of which the brethren 
and sisters had stood by me, was almost done. I 
should not meet the people assembled there again till 
time shoultl be proclaimed as being no more. 

Mr. Darley followed me in a very feeling speech. 
He was sure the large assembly of ladies in that meet- 
ing and in the neighborhood were not wanting in 
loyalty to the throne and personal attachment to the 
queen, and that in the breast of her majesty was a 
heart that was moved with sympathy for her subjects 
whenever any calamity befell them, either by accident 
or any other cause. Her majesty showed she had a 



I40 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

heart to feel and a hand to help, and he was confident 
her sympathy would be extended and her gracious 
countenance given to a cause which aimed at emanci- 
pating her subjects from the greatest slavery and 
degradation to which humanity can be brought through 
drink, which was one of the greatest curses that had 
afflicted humanity. It was a standing blot, a disgrace 
to the legislature, a dishonor to the clergy and to the 
nation at large. Mrs. Stewart had come from America 
on a godlike mission, and he knew she had the devout 
prayers of the women present who loved their homes 
and respected themselves. 

Mr. Darley then proposed the following resolution, 
which was carried by acclamation. It is intended to 
send a copy to her gracious majesty, the queen : 

That this meeting deeply sympathizes with the 
earnest Christian spirit by which Mrs. Stewart is in- 
fluenced, and it is their devout prayer that God will 
give his abundant blessing to her efforts, and that 
Christian women of all ranks, from the humblest 
peasant to our beloved queen, may be induced to sup- 
port this movement, which has for its object the moral, 
social and religious elevation of the nation and the 
glory of God. 

It seems that here was an overflow meeting, but I 
cannot now recall any incidents connected with it. 
After my address I had passed into the anteroom be- 
hind the stage and was talking with some friends, 
when I noticed a fumbling at the door opening from 
the audience room, and in a moment more a woman 
entered, and coming forward gave me her hand, and 
in very courtly style, or an effort at style, asked me if 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. I4I 

there was anything she could do for me. A lady of 
England, she assured me, held me by the hand. Was 
there any way in which she could serve me? It was 
a lady of England that held my hand. I asked her if 
she had signed the pledge ; it would gratify me very 
much to know that she had. "Oh," she answered, 
"no need of my signing the pledge; no need in the 
world ! But if I can in any way serve you, I shall be 
most happy. Remember, it is a lady of England that 
holds your hand." With all the respect that this re- 
iterated assurance would be supposed to inspire, I 
could only see a drunk woman. After she had retired 
I asked the ladies if she was a lady. "Oh.'" thev an- 
swered, "she was, but now she is tipsy all the time." 
The tipsy .business is a wonderful leveler. The sad 
point of it always is that it levels down instead of up. 
A large number signed the pledge at this meeting, 
as at all the meetings, but I have not referred to the 
fact, as I did not have any care of that part of the 
work ; indeed, not of anything pertaining to the meet- 
ings except the delivering of my message to the 
people. All else was taken charge of by my com- 
mittee. I often left the hall while the signing was 
still going on. I shall never know how many signed 
the pledge at my meetings, how many meetings I have 
addressed, or how many miles I have traveled. These 
are items of interest, certainty, and that most lecturers 
carefully preserve. But somehow I was always so 
hurried, so occupied, so weary that I neglected to keep 
such records, and I concluded if good were accom- 
plished the results would follow whether I kept the 
record or not. 



I42 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

At the<;lose of the meeting I returned to my home 
with my dear Mrs. Hilton and her lovely family, at a 
very late hour (for it was several miles distant), glad 
of the prospect of a day of rest. 

Monday evening, February 2Sth, by invitation of 
Rev. Newman Hall, I addressed a meeting in old 
Surry Chapel. The world-renowned pastor presided, 
and in words of warmest sympathy and indorsement 
presented me to his people. Every available space 
was occupied by a most attentive and appreciative 
audience. The occasion was a truly inspiring one. I 
stood where that man of might, Rowland Hill, had 
stood for so many years and proclaimed the everlasting 
Gospel to the people and plead with sinners to be 
reconciled to God. And at my side sat his worthy 
successor, who dares to declare the whole counsel of 
God in the face of opposition, even from his members, 
his officials, with a solitary exception, at least not 
indorsing his ultra (as they considered them) views 
on temperance. He was a brave witness for the cause 
of total abstinence, though, as he told me, his fellow 
ministers chafed him for his singularity. 

The next post after this meeting brought me a letter 
in which was the inquiry, "Why did Christ furnish 
wine by a miracle if it is wrong to drink it?" And 
not having the time to answer before I left, I sent the 
following to the paper, hoping it might answer other 
wine-drinking Christians who were taking refuge be- 
hind similar false cover, as there are "a few more 
(indeed, not a few) left of the same sort." I give it 
place here in hopes that it may help some other such 
to a more correct understanding, if I may not say a 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. I43 

more honest and disinterested interpretation of the 
Scriptures : 

THE CAN A MIRACLE. 
Mr. II. J.; 

Dear Sir — Your favor of inquiry came to hand on 
the eve of my leaving London, and up to the present 
I have not had the time to answer, and even now only 
in very brief form, for soon I must start to my next 
engagement. 

I will ask you, do you believe Jesus was, is the Son 
of God ? Do you believe He was able to turn the 
water into wine? If he was able to change the water 
into wine, was He able to make it free from the seeds 
of disease and death, that is, alcoholic poison? Do 
you believe He came to give His life for perishing 
sinners? You believe all this if you believe any of it. 
Then is it in accord with His character to make an 
intoxicating drink that does do great harm, when He 
could just as well have made a pure, harmless drink? 
Your own, good, common sense will answer this ques- 
tion correctly. 

It is a libel on my Savior to charge that He made a 
substance the result of vegetable decay, decomposi- 
tion, and that contains an acknowledged poison, 
engenders such depraved appetites, ruins so many 
souls as well as bodies, working a still greater miracle 
to do it, when He had equal power to make a rich, 
luscious drink without the addition of the poison. 

The intoxicating wine that you Christians of Eng- 
land drink is the result of the action of nature in its 
process of decay. You will see by the reading that 
there was no time for that process of fermentation and 
lotting. No one will be absurd enough to charge that 
the Master hastened that process simply to add the 
alcoholic poison, when it was better without it. 

I am very much obliged for your "partial" admira- 
tion of my "powerful lecture," as you are so kind as 



144 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

o call it. But let me charge you, as a professed fol- 
lower of Christ, that it is high time that you and all 
Christians do agree with me that it is our duty to 
abstain from the very appearance of evil ; that you 
put the accursed thing far from you, and no longer 
stand as stumbling blocks in the way of your brethren. 
Be assured God will require their souls at your hands. 
There is no other solution to this fearful problem, no 
other way of reaching this evil that is peopling hell 
with souls for whom Christ died than just this. 
Christians must give up their selfish indulgence and 
take a clear, decided stand for God and humanity. 
May the Lord help you, my brother, to see this mo- 
mentous question in its true light, and take up your 
cross, if it be a cross, for Christ's sake. 

Very truly yours, E. D. Stewart. 

Tuesday afternoon, 29th, with Mrs. Hilton and 
Mrs. Lucas, by invitation of Mrs. C, founder of a 
retreat for ladies afflicted with the habit of inebriety, 
I attended a ladies' conference at Weymouth, Euston 
Road. I was much interested in listening to this noble 
lady, as she told of her work among the upper classes, 
but not a little surprised at her theory in regard to the 
pledge as connected with her work. She insisted that 
it was not advisable to offer the pledge to the class 
that she sought to reclaim, or cure. It was all very 
well and proper for the lower classes, but her patients, 
being of the upper class, were better educated, more 
refined and possessing more means, had more sources 
of occupying the mind, and more amusements ; there- 
fore did not so much need the pledge. She had never 
offered it to but one lady, and that at the lady's own 
urgent solicitation. But the result was unfortunate — 
the lady failed to keep it. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 45 

It was not possible to accept such fallacy in silence, 
so I answered in as polite fashion as the occasion de- 
manded, having the indorsement, as I could see, of my 
friends. It seemed very absurd reasoning that the 
favorable conditions of station, education, wealth, etc., 
that evidently had not served to save those unfortunate 
ladies in the first place, could be trusted alone to 
correct the habit and reform them. 

As to the temptations, use, tampering with, whether 
in high or low life, produce the same results — in- 
temperance, ruin, morally, socially and physically, and 
ultimate death, common sense would say the same 
means that would assist one class would be helpful to 
the other. 

At night, of the same day, I addressed my last 
meeting in the course at Albert Hall, Haverstock Hill- 
My work was now closed. A wonderful experience ! 
What shall the harvest be? Very precious to me is 
the memory of those five busy weeks of hard work, 
indeed, but so wonderfully was I sustained by grace 
divine, and so lovingly was I cared for and aided by 
the dear friends and co-workers, that it is fixed forever 
in my mind as a sweet and hallowed memory. 

I have said little of my experiences or observations 
outside of my work, for I was kept so busy, as the 
previous pages have shown, that I had little time 
for anything except my work. This old world teems 
with places and objects of great historic interest 
to us of the new. I had, from my earliest recollec- 
tion, been filled with a strong desire to visit thosei 
places so linked with the history of the past, and 
see them for myself. Who can imagine, to one of 



146 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

my taste and temperament, what amount of self- 
denial it required to walk, day after day, under 
the shadow of the old Tower, the British Museum and 
other places of which I had read with so much interest, 
without being able to gratify my long-cherished 
desire. 

My days being taken up with conference meetings, 
tea meetings, evening mass meetings, often overflow 
meetings, there was no possible chance for sight-seeing. 
I had hoped, and asked my committee for a reservation 
of at least a week before I should leave, to visit some of 
the noted places of interest. But the calls were so 
imperative that they could not do otherwise than 
engage me up to the last night. I saw no other way 
than to risk a little more fatigue and throw in a few 
hours each day of the latter part of my time in 
making brief visits to the most noted places. Thus 
I ran down to Sydenham, and in a few hours took a 
hasty look at the Crystal Palace and a very few of its 
rich treasures. How the hours and minutes flew ! 
How tantalizing and unsatisfactory was the brief 
glimpse of that great store-house of treasures ! 

I think the world will give me credit for more self- 
denial than they ever dreamed of my possessing when 
I tell them that after reading of the excavations of 
Pompeii and the bringing to the light of day those 
buried treasures of two thousand years ago, with the 
most thrilling interest, and feeling that it would be 
one of the greatest pleasures of my life to see them, I 
passed by the door of the room containing those 
stereopticon views without even pausing to look in. I 
was to meet an expectant audience and must not even 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 147 

be tardy. I passed the Egyptian department and 
most of the art treasures. How I had longed to see 
the paintings of the old masters ! No ; duty to my 
heaven-appointed mission even before the gratification 
of a life-long hunger ! Ye who can appreciate what 
it cost me, give me a little credit. 

I took a few hours another day and hastened over 
the Tower ; another to the British Museum, where I 
needed a month ; in same fashion visited old White 
Hall Chapel and looked out of the window where 
Charles, the unfortunate, walked out to the scaffold. 
I had already stood and spoken in the pulpit from this 
chapel, in which it was said he once secreted himself 
from his pursuers. 

I spent, -maybe, an hour in Gustave Dore's art 
gallery, then on exhibition in London, and sat for, oh, 
so brief a time and gazed in awe and silence upon that 
masterpiece of his genius, "Christ Leaving the Pre- 
torium." As we sat and gazed at that scene, made so 
real by the great artist's brush, what wonder that all 
voices were hushed, nothing heard above the quietest 
whisper. Oh, I thought, if the conception of the 
artist thus spoken on canvas can produce such effect, 
what must the reality have been ! There, the promi- 
nent figure was the Son of Man in His purple robe 
and crown of thorns, with the blood from the wounds 
the cruel thorns had made trickling from His temples, 
walking down the marble steps from the hall of justice. 
There was the crowd, eager and expectant, some 
sitting on the balustrade jeering and scoffing at the 
man of sorrows, who was silently bearing that load oi 
grief and reproach and pain for them. Others were 



14b THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

looking on with idle curiosity. But at the foot of the 
steps stood the mother of Jesus, looking up with such 
an agony of helpless sorrow and pity for her child — 
her child in the hands of wicked men, and she with 
no power to shield or deliver. Yes, you saw her when 
the time had come that a sword should pierce through 
her own soul. The impression out of it all made on 
mind and heart was, Christ alone, all friends 
having forsaken Him, bearing the sins of the world. 
Oh, again I thought, if the hand of the artist can so 
impress and melt the heart of the beholder with simply 
an image on canvas, what shall the revealing be when 
we shall behold the King in His beauty ! 

Even here, however, I must not linger. We quietly 
and with softest tread passed out again, bearing away 
a hallowed memory that shall linger till the veil is 
rent away and I shall see Him as He is, my Christ, 
my risen, glorified Redeemer. Not much farther 
hence now, oh, glorious hope ! 

I found time, by the doubling up process, to call on 
that renowned artist, George Cruikshank, who has 
with pencil' and brush made the world his debtor for 
all time, because of the effective work he has done for 
the temperance cause. He was then over eighty years, 
but eager, nervous and lithe as a boy ; not quite 
medium in height, slender and perfectly straight. How 
enthusiastic he grew at once when we entered upon 
the temperance theme ! He remarked that he was 
now eighty, "but," and he sprang up and cracked his 
heels together as a boy of fifteen, and throwing up his 
hands, he exclaimed, "I shall do the publicans a great 
deal of damage yet." Within the next two years he 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 49 

passed away ; but the work he has done will live for- 
ever. I count myself rich in the possession of a hand- 
some engraving of his** Worship of Bacchus," very 
kindly presented me by Mr. Scott, of the Tweedie & 
Scott Publishing House. 

I was very happy, al*o, to give myself the pleasure, 
in company with Mrs. Hilton, of responding to an 
invitation from Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Hall, to call on 
them. How delightful is the memory of that visit 
to that talented and literary couple, who had done 
such grand work with their pens for the temper- 
ance cause ! So bright and cheerful were they, and so 
happy in each other's love, though the frosts of nearly 
seventy winters had left its whitening effect, especially 
on Mr. Hall,- whose hair and flowing beard were like 
the drifted snow. Their affectionate, courteous bear- 
ing toward each other reminded one of young people 
in their honeymoon. Mr. H., besides contributing 
valuable service by his pen, especially the beautiful 
poem, t4 The Old, Old Story," was editor of the Art 
Journal for over forty years. And Mrs. Hall had re- 
ceived very gracious recognition from her majesty, the 
queen, for the valuable literary services to her subjects. 

Besides precious gifts of their own productions, I 
am their debtor for a rare piece of art, "A Crusade 
Scene" (as the artist conceived it), by X. P. Morris. 
But if I could have sat by his side I would have been 
able to convey to his vivid imagination a more realistic 
idea of such a scene than he was able to obtain from 
the imperfect and distorted accounts that had floated to 
him across the seas. It, nevertheless, is prized for its 
merits as a fine production of art, and more for the 



150 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

sake of the givers, and it finds an honored place among 
the other highly prized gifts and souvenirs from dear 
friends and co-workers. But these delightful friends 
are gone. Ah, how they are passing over ! 

I had, before starting in on my work, visited West- 
minster, St. Paul's and the Old Temple, and had taken 
a Sabbath to go and worship at that Mecca of all 
Methodists, Old City Road Chapel. But how my 
ideas of the father of Methodism, as he in his day stood 
there with erect form, grave and venerable counte- 
nance, deep, sonorous voice and grand, rhetorical 
periods, rolling out his messages of grace or warnings 
of the wrath to come, were counterbalanced by that 
undoubtedly most excellent successor, in surplice re- 
peating the church service, and then with face bowed 
near the page — evidently near-sighted — reading from 
his manuscript in a monotonous and droning fashion 
about the "knowledge of the Lord!" I 
could but wonder if he, whose monument was out there 
just back of the chapel, could hear and know, and if he 
did not feel the least bit impatient at such lack of zeal 
and fervor. 

I caught a couple of hours to go into Parliament 
House and sit behind the gratings or lattice work in 
the ladies' gallery and peek through at those astute, 
slumbrous law-makers. With the utmost effort I 
could now and then catch a word as the lazy debate 
went on, but not enough to get an understanding of 
what it was all about. Later in the night is the time, 
especially if any matter of unusual interest is up, to 
see and hear the English law-makers at their best. 
But through that lattice-work ! I declare, I felt 



THE CRUSADEll IN GREAT BRITAIN. 151 

strongly impelled to throw something down, both to 
express my spleen at such ungallant fencing off of the 
women and to startle those drowsy solons into some 
sort of life and animation. 

A few months later they really did have a little 
spasmodic waking up over the "Irish Sunday Closing 
Bill," and actually did Mother Stewart the honor of 
using her name somewhat freely, as opposed to the 
bill, quoting from the newspaper reports of my speech 
at the Belfast conference in the interest of the bill. I 
endorsed the bill most emphatically, and warned the 
Irish friends to guard any law, that might be passed, 
against the loopholes of " bona fide travelers" found 
in the Sunday law in Scotland. I had only the 
Sabbath before, at the ferry, at Dundee, seen hundreds 
who had simply crossed the Tay to Newport, and thus 
become "bona fide travelers," at the close of the day 
returning to their homes reeling drunk. The reporter, 
not intending to misrepresent me, I presume, in his 
lack of knowledge of the case, made me say, "crossing 
the bridge," while there was no bridge, but a ferry 
across the Tay at that time. But those wise law- 
makers, catching at straws, as the same sort in our 
own country do when their cherished "trade" is in 
danger, made poor, innocent me responsible for a false 
statement, hoping, I suppose, that in some way this 
would strengthen their argument against Sunday 
closing in Ireland. Again, the proof-reader, presum- 
ably, had failed to correct the typo, who, in setting up 
the word "reeling," had made it "rolling." And so I 
was made to figure in Parliament as saying those 
S ibbath-breaking S.cots were rolling drunk! Dear 



152 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

me, if that is getting into Parliament, I wonder why 
in the world Miss Taylor wants to contend for a seat ! 

But notwithstanding all these profound arguments 
against the bill, by the opposition, Ireland did gain 
her Sunday closing law, and though it was only one 
day in seven, with the largest cities exempted, the 
benefit to poor liquor-cursed and politically-distracted 
Ireland has been great. Oh, Ireland, Ireland, if you 
could only know what would make for your peace, 
you would demand, and not cease to agitate till you had, 
as you might put it in your own native wit, a Sunday- 
closing law for every day in the week. Then, indeed, 
would peace and prosperity crown you, and you would 
not only be the beautiful green isle of the ocean, but 
the happy isle of the ocean. You never will know 
peace and prosperity till you do banish the liquor 
curse from your land and nation. All the landlords 
in the kingdom combined cannot work such poverty 
and want and misery as by your own hands through 
that scourge you are meting out to the unhappy 
people. 

Shall no phoenix ever arise out of the ashes of that 
blessed saint, Father Matthew, who will lead the 
people to final victory over their only real, deadly 
enemy ? May the Lord call him forth speediTy. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Farewell Conference at Moorgate Street— Reports of the 
Work in London— Mass Meeting in the Evening— Reports 
of Same — Farewell to Mother Stewart by John Anderson. 

THE final leave-taking of my friends, so earnest and 
true, whom I had learned to hold as my heart 
treasures, came. From the various papers giving ex- 
tended reports, I quote in part : 



FAREWELL CONFERENCE AND PUBLIC MEETIN 
MOTHER STEWART IN LONDON. 

On Wednesday, March ist, a conference of the 
friends of Mrs. Stewart's temperance mission in Lon- 
don was held at the Moorgate Hall to receive a report 
ot her work in London, and to consider how that work 
might be best continued after her departure. 

Mr. J. Kempster, chairman of the committee, pre- 
sided at the afternoon conference, and after singing 
and prayer, Mrs. Dawson Burns, secretary, read a 
lengthy report of the meetings and the work accom- 
plished — thirty-nine public meetings, eight ladies' 
conferences and drawing-room meetings, besides "over- 
flow meetings." Four Women's Prayer Unions were 
formed. 

Mention is also made of my address to the boys of 
the navy school, and that eighty-two signed the 
pledge. I have mentioned the fact that at the Standard 
Theater meeting six hundred signed the pledge. And, 
as I have said, I kept no record of the number, but more 
or less signed the pledge at nearly every meeting, and 



154 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

it is safe to say that the number reached several 
thousand. The above reported work was accomplished 
in five weeks. The report proceeds to say : 

Mother Stewart's visit has induced many to join our 
ranks, and aroused many more who were lukewarm 
and faint-hearted to a desire for extra exertion. 

The committee regret extremely that so many socie- 
ties, anxious to secure Mrs. Stewart's services, have 
been disappointed, owing to the limitation of time and 
the large number of engagements already entered into. 

Mrs. Stewart is on a visit to our larger towns, also 
Scotland and Ireland, and it is doubtful whether time 
will permit a second visit to London. It is hoped that 
some definite plans will result from the telling and 
energetic work of Mother Stewart. 

The committee formed only for a time ; still, should 
it be deemed right, the opportunity may have come 
for more regular work. 

Mrs Hilton offered the following resolution : 

"That this conference records its gratitude to God 
for the good work Mrs. Stewart has been instrumental 
in doing during her visit in London ; and in acknowl- 
edging its obligation to Mrs. Stewart, desires to convey 
to her an expression of the cordial sympathy and 
affection entertained for her by all who have in any 
way been associated with her work ; and this confer- 
ence prays that her life may be long spared, and that 
she may see abundant fruits of her self-sacrificing 
labors in the reclamation of the drunkards, the prohi- 
bition of the liquor traffic and the acceptance of 
Christ's Gospel to the salvation of many souls." 

The resolution was seconded by Mrs. Stewart, of 
Stoke, Newington, who, together with other speakers, 
expressed the deepest regret that they were about to 
lose Mother Stewart from among them. 

The chairman said it had been computed by a 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 55 

gentleman attending Mother Stewart's meetings that 
she had addressed 37,000 persons in London — this 
besides the conference and overflow meetings. 

Dr. Ellis, of the National Temperance League, said 
they had long had to deplore the difficulty of bringing 
the fair sex to help in abolishing drink. Women are 
most interested in it, for of all the consequences of the 
drinking habits of society those were to be most de- 
plored which pressed upon them. The medical pro- 
fession knew very well that drinking mothers generated 
a taste for liquor in their offspring when the latter 
were grown up. It was awful to think that in this 
country there was not a person who in his circle of 
acquaintance could not point to some individual or 
family blighted by the drink curse. 

Brother Hilton referred to the sympathy and affec- 
tion shown Mother Stewart, and to the banding of 
women together which had been the result of her 
visit. These organizations were most useful in 
temperance movements. 

Mrs. Beattie reported that a Ladies' Temperance 
Association had been formed at Wandsworth as the 
result of Mother Stewart's visit, and they had already 
started a Band of Hope to induce young gentlemen in 
their own homes to join the temperance cause. Ladies 
had also met for prayer, and their meetings were to 
continue. It was in the power of English ladies to 
do a great deal of good. 

The Rev. Mr. Morgan said the pulpit of his chapel 
had been occupied by Mother Stewart, and her speech 
went to the hearts of some 1,200 persons who were 
present, making an impression of a very salutary kind. 
Many went there with a prejudice against a woman 
adddressing a public meeting, but that prejudice and 
the one against temperance were quite eradicated. 
The impression she made upon his own family, at his 
own house, was one that would never be erased. 
Mother Stewart having addressed over 37,000 persons 



156 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

in this great city, and not having met with a single 
adverse criticism, had done a marvelous work ; and 
when she went down into the country she would be 
welcomed with great enthusiasm. 

Sister Insull expressed her sorrow at losing Mother 
Stewart. 

Miss McPherson spoke with emotion of the misery, 
poverty and ruin inflicted on children by the drink. 
She had labored among 2,600 of them, and three- 
fourths of- that number had come under the care of 
her mission through drink. 

Major Sutherland spoke with hopefulness. He said 
if they could speak in the tones of the last lady, and 
influence the mothers and daughters of "society" to 
use their influence over their husbands and sons, they 
would bring about wonders. Men were called fanatics 
and humbugs if they spoke of these things, but the 
ladies could get into the homes and would be listened 
to. The way Miss McPherson spoke brought tears 
into one's eyes and religion into one's heart. Let the 
dear ladies go into the houses and speak as she had 
done ; let them speak to the wives of the members of 
parliament, and then the men going to the members 
would be able to accomplish something. He knew 
there were many ladies drink stricken, and ashamed of 
it, but who could not throw off custom. He besought 
the ladies to try to reach and influence this class, for 
there was much more intemperance in that class than 
in the other classes. 

Mr. Clayton of Tottenham said there was an excel- 
lent ladies' association in the West End, and they had 
monthly meetings. There were between 200 and 300 
members. They were not all total abstainers, but 
there was a good reason for it, and they were doing 
work among their husbands and families which must 
tell. During the present season they would hold 
drawing-room meetings, and much good would be 
done. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 157 

I desire to call the reader's attention to the last 
gentleman's remarks, because it presents what we total 
abstainers would call a very unique form of temper- 
ance work. In the list of my meetings I have men- 
tioned a drawing-room meeting that I attended by 
invitation of Mrs. Clayton, who was at the head of 
this very respectable organization of good intentions* 

Mr. Reed, of Edinburg, spoke. 

Mr. Rae, of the National Temperance League, said 
there was a continual increase of drinking among 
women, and almost daily he had letters of inquiry 
asking if he could give information as to an asylum or 
retreat for inebriate 'women. There was a strong feel- 
ing that there should be a ladies' national conference. 
The league was making arrangements for such a con- 
ference, and letters had been already received from 
ladies in Leeds, York, Birmingham, Brighton and 
Manchester, who would no doubt take part in it. 

The resolution was then put and carried, and it was 
further resolved that it should be engrossed on vellum 
for presentation, after which Mother Stewart rose and 
said : 

"This is to me a very solemn occasion, dear friends. 
I hardly know how to frame my thoughts into befitting 
words. If you had bestowed those loving words of 
affection upon another, I could have found abundant 
words to sustain me ; but it comes home, and I am at 
a loss. My stay in London has been one of the most 
important periods of my life. I came to you bearing 
a message from my Father, not knowing at all how I 
should be received, but trusting in Him. I was won- 
derfully surprised and made most happy by the delega- 
tion that met me at Liverpool and took me such a 
willing prisoner, treating me with such boundless 
hospitality, and thus I have found it everywhere. I 
have had the privilege of seeing my sisters at their 



158 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

own firesides, and shall never forget the happiness I 
have found in the model homes of old England. I 
have been filled with admiration all the time at the 
wonderful zeal which the workers manifest here in 
this great and wicked city of London — people who 
have been standing at their posts and working in 
season and out for twenty, thirty-five, forty years. But 
it was only by thus standing and working that they 
could carry on this warfare. If they do not, God may 
curse this land as he has my own because of slavery." 

Mrs. Stewart, in the course of her address, said she 
was sorry to see the church and the temperance cause 
divorced, and her work here, she found, was chiefly to 
try and stir up the churches. They could not make 
great progress in their warfare unless their efforts were 
directed in that way. 

Class distinctions were in their way. Some said, 
"Go to the upper classes," but they were not sure they 
would be received on the same plane. So with other 
classes. They had to work, each class by itself. 

She had been asked by a reporter if she had received 
invitations from any of the upper classes of society. 
She must say she had had invitations from God's 
aristocracy — numbers of them — but from this world's, 
perhaps not many. She had an invitation from a lady 
with a title a few days since, but it came to her too 
late. It had been intimated that there was a large 
number of ladies of this city working quietly. They 
should let their light shine before all men. The enemy 
only wanted them to be quiet. 

She insisted that their work should be published to 
the w T orld for the effect it would have upon both the 
friends and enemies of our cause. Those ladies under- 
stood what they were doing ; she did not. But all who 
took part in the movement should sign the total absti- 
nence pledge. The same pledge should be administered 
to the rich and poor, as the same means that will save 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 159 

one will save another. They were all sinners. They 
must bring the Gospel of the blessed Christ to all. She 
hoped they would continue their work, or the liquor 
men would publish in their papers that tnere had been 
a month's sensation, but now it had passed away. 

In closing her remarks, she said: "Let me urge 
you to form a national association and send representa- 
tives to our Women's International Convention, in 
June next. Let your watchword be, 'Stand together.' 
Let all the organizations work hand in hand, each 
working in its own way, but all helping on the 
general cause. Do this for Christ's sake and for the 
sake of perishing souls." 

The proceedings were brought to a close by the 
singing of the doxology. 

At the evening meeting the chair was occupied by 
T. B. Smithies, Esq., editor of the British Work- 
man. 

After prayer and singing, the Rev. John Morgan 
moved a resolution. He said Mother Stewart had 
won all hearts — men, women and children, old and 
young, rich and poor — who had come in contact with 
her. He believed that woman had much more to do 
for the world than she had done hitherto. He believed 
she would have to occupy a more prominent position 
in church and state than she had hitherto. If the men 
would not do the work required for temperance, let 
the women come. 

The resolution was seconded by Mrs. Lucas. She 
said she did so most heartily as a Good Templar. She 
only feared that Mother Stewart had worked too hard, 
and that they had been too little considerate of her 
strength. 

Brother Kempster, in supporting the resolution, said 
Mother Stewart had done great good by her advocacy 
of temperance coupled with Christianity, and he 
hoped the time would come when no Christian man 
would consider his Christianity complete without 



l6o THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

total abstinence. Mother Stewart had done much to 
forward that. 

Brother Hilton read the following resolution, which 
had been passed that afternoon by the London execu- 
tive committee of the United Kingdom Alliance : 

"That this committee desire to put on record their 
sense of the high estimation entertained by thern of 
the able and effective advocacy of prohibition by Mrs. 
Stewart ; their approval ot her Christian character 
and devotion to the temperance cause, and their warm 
interest in the success of her mission to this country 
in behalf of the victims of a traffic condemned by the 
principles of morality, and demanding the unqualified 
opposition of all Christian citizens and social re- 
formers." 

The chairman then introduced Mrs. Stewart to the 
audience. 

Mrs. Stewart arose, and speaking under evident 
emotion she urged the women to take a more deter- 
mined stand on the temperance question. She was 
convinced that they were called upon to do so, not 
called to be more like men, or mannish, by any means, 
They were not to go and clamor to be like men ; they 
were only called to make men more like women. God 
had called the Christian women to do this work be- 
cause the men had failed to do their duty. Hundreds 
and thousands might be saved if each would do what 
she could. The liquor curse was hindering all our 
progress, making us too poor to send the Gospel to a 
perishing world. It was using up our talent, taking 
up our time, diverting the attention of professors of 
relgion from the interests of the Gospel. If the 
chuirch was all right on this question she would be 
prepared to lead her sisters forth that night in crusade 
bands to visit the public houses. But unfortunately it 
was not. The first thing for her sisters to do was to 
work in their own families. Let them pray for the 




JViy\^GARET E. Py\F^ER, 

First Pres. B. W. T. A. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. l6l 

liquor men who sat in parliament and helped to make 
the laws which crippled them so that they did not know 
which way to turn. Let them influence their hus- 
bands so that they would never vote to send such men 
again to parliament. If their husbands failed to put 
up a good man, let them get up a ticket themselves, 
and insist upon their supporting their candidate. Let 
them also pray for the ministers of England. She 
was astonished to find that temperance among min- 
isters was an exception. Let the women beware how 
they gave the intoxicating cup to their beautiful chil- 
dren. It remained for them to say whether this curse 
should be banished from their homes and their 
children saved in the future from the drunkard's fate. 
How many men and how many women were going 
down to destruction who might be saved by the plead- 
ing voice of woman ! She hoped they would send del- 
egates to the international convention at Philadelphia. 
She bade then a last faiewell. She knew not how 
long she should labor, how long her strength would 
last. It was a matter of indifference as to the work, 
for the Lord would raise up workers ; but she would 
like them, ere she went away, to pray for her and the 
blessed work — pray that souls might be saved from 
drink. She returned them her kindest thanks for all 
their loving patience and forbearance, and she wished 
she could have said some words to induce those who 
heard her to take a decided stand for the Master. 

The proceedings, shortly afterwards, were brought 
to a close. 

Between the afternoon and evening meeting tea 
was served, when I had the happiness of meeting my 
co-workers in a last social reunion, and also of making 
some new acquaintances. Among these was Miss 
Anna McPherson, who had devoted her life to the 
work of rescuing and providing homes for the friend- 



102 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

less and outcast children in London. She some years 
since established a home to which she gathers in the 
poor, little, homeless waifs and shelters and trains 
them for a time, then takes a company of them to 
Canada, where she finds comfortable homes for them 
among the farmers. Many have been the poor little 
sufferers, as she said in her speech, because of the 
drink curse, that she has rescued from a life of suffer- 
ing, and very probably crime, and started on the road 
to one of happiness, usefulness and respectability. 
While we talked as fast as we could, she took from her 
pocket a folding photograph case with three photo- 
graphs and presented it to me, explaining that they 
were one and the same subject — a boy whom the 
policeman (which was not an unusual thing), after 
rapping at her door with his baton, had thrust in, and 
walked away. But how could it be possible that these 
three takings were of the same subject? The first was 
of a boy, possibly ten years old, but so ragged, so 
dirty, so pinched with hunger and cold, so stamped 
with the life of the street — how could any human 
effort ever efface the unmistakable signs of the London 
street Arab ? 

Now look at this picture : A very decent, well- 
mannered school-boy of the middle walks of life , 
clean, you see, hair combed nicely ; steadily, but cheer- 
fully looks you in the eye. But turn once more. What 
a bright, intelligent, happy, manly-looking little 
fellow ! The first was as when the Christian sculptor 
took the unformed, crude and marred mass in hand out 
of the street ; the second was of the same, after a 
few months of chiseling and polishing ; the third, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 163 

still the same — a beautiful, happy child in his Canada 
home. 

Oh, woman, what can you not do when impelled by 
the love of Jesus? Don't tell me of modelers in clay, 
of sculptors of marble. I had rather have been the 
hand and heart that found that immortal soul buried 
in such a thick coating of earth's incrustation, and 
brought it forth, than to have been a Phidias or a 
Michael Angelo. Queen Victoria is not the solitary 
sovereign in England, grand and worthy as she is of 
the homage of her people. Others there are, not a 
few, royal and true, such as Maria Hilton, Anna 
McPherson, Josephine E. Butler, and Miss Robison, 
with a host of others, though not wearing the royal 
insignia, .are, nevertheless, of the royal line, daughters 
of a King. 

And still the life work of this brave woman goes 
on. Only recently came to my hand a most interest- 
ing report of her work in the home, and also of work 
organized and prosecuted among the destitute women 
in that part of London. May the richest blessings of 
Him in whose footsteps she treads abide with her 
alway. 

But my treasure that could not have been so valuable 
to anyone else has been purloined from my center- 
table by some vandal, who did not know how to prize 
or use it as I would have done. 

Major Sutherland, who is reported as speaking, is a 
nephew of the Duke of Sutherland, and one of the 
"Light Brigade" who rode in that fateful charge : 

" Half a league onward, 
All in the valley of Death." 



164 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

And one of the few who 

" Came through the jaws of death, 
Back from the mouth of hell. 
All that was left of them, 
Left of the six hundred." 

He is as brave and fearless in his advocacy of the 
principles of total abstinence, though a rare exception 
in his class, as on the day he rode at his country's 
command with the immortal six hundred, at Balaklava. 

The major kindly presented me with his photograph, 
which finds its companion in my album in the photo- 
graph of Rev. A. LeRoy, of my own State, another 
of the few who came back to tell the tale, and who is 
to-day, with purpose as true and heart as brave, stand- 
ing in the trenches, though he knows 

" Some one has blundered," 

fighting for God and humanity. Oh, for such another 
" Light Brigade " to charge the liquor legions of to-day. 

Thus closed my wonderful campaign in Lundon. 
But though the years have swept on, leaving it far in 
the past, what a sense of pleasure it is to recall those 
busy days and the dear friends that by their warm 
sympathy and co-operation made it possible for me to 
do the work I did. 

I am in doubt whether it shall seem to be in good 
taste to introduce here a letter of my own, which, 
indeed, I had forgotten till in consulting my papers of 
the time, a few days since, I found it in the Watchword 
of March 8th, 1S76. But it expresses still my senti- 
ments of gratitude and affection for those dear friends 
that I shall greet never again till the day's work is 
done and we shall meet at the harvest home in our 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 165 

Father's house. Ah, how many have already passed 
over ! 

234 Langveld House, Burdette Road, 

March 2, 187b. 
To Mrs. Dawson Burns, Hon. Secretary London 

Temperance Committee: 

My Dear Madam : — I cannot leave London with- 
out expressing, if possible, in more befitting words 
than I was able last evening, my sincere gratitude to 
you as the secretary, to Mr. Kempster, the chairman, 
and each of the committee for your invaluable aid, as 
well as all the personal kindness you have shown me. 
Without such aid as you have given me in arranging 
the meetings, taking from me the burden of a heavy 
correspondence, and above all your earnest words of 
encouragement, your kind hospitality and prayers, I 
could not "have done the work I have had the happiness 
of doing. 

It has been to me a subject of continual surprise and 
thankfulness that coming to the temperance friends in 
a humble, unostentatious manner, and unheralded, you 
should take me so warmly to your confidence and to 
your homes. I accept it all for my work's sake as 
more than the cup of cold water, cheering my heart 
and encouraging me in my labors. To you, my dear 
friends, therefore, is mainly due any good results that 
may follow my poor efforts to advance the Master's 
work in this, your great city. I would that I could 
have done a hundred fold more for our blessed cause, 
and I pray that you, my fellow laborers, may be abund- 
antly blessed in your united efforts to advance temper- 
ance and righteousness in the kingdom. I cannot 
close this hastily-penned note without also returning 
my sincere thanks to the London press, as well the 
daily and secular as our own journals, for the very 
kind notices given me. Very truly yours, 

Eliza D. Stewart. 



l66 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

On March 2d, I took leave of my London friends, 
and in company with Mrs. Lucas set out for Liver- 
pool. I see in the Star of March 9th, before me, after 
mentioning the fact that a large delegation of friends, 
among which were Rev. John Morgan and several 
members of his family, John Hilton, Esq., Mr. Smith, 
editor of the Star, and Mr. Nichols, met at the station 
to say farewell, says : 

The leave-taking was of the most hearty descrip- 
tion, and Mother Stewart not only carries with her 
the affection of many friends in London, but leaves 
behind many who can now say, " We never knew how 
much we loved her until we felt that she had left us.' 

It was a source of sincere regret that I found myself 
obliged to leave London while the calls for help were 
still pouring in daily by the score from all the other 
prominent cities, as well as from the metropolis, where 
one might work on and on through the years and 
never get done. 

In the Temperance Star of Marcn 9th, 1876, after 
all these years, my eye has just fallen upon, for the 
first time, the following : 

FAREWELL TO MOTHER STEWART. 



BY JOHN ANDERSON. 



Not in doubt, or tears, or sorrow, 
Have we bade our queen adieu; 

No, there comes a sweet to-morrow 
That will bring her presence too. 

Long we '11 mind her wrath unmeasured, 
As of woman's woes she spoke ; 

Long her image shall be treasured, 
As the " Devil's Chain" she broke. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 167 



Long her faith, sublimely burning, 
Shall our ways and words control, 

As its glory, back returning, 

Lights the chambers of our soul. 

Long her matchless interceding 
On our ears shall sweetly fall ; 

Long her kind and artless pleading 
Memory shall with joy recall. 

Do not frown, although her fingers 
Ring a louder bell than ours ; 

Charity hears all the ringers, 

And applauds their varied powers. 

Other speakers may precede her 
In the wiles and tricks of speech ; 

Who are they that can exceed her, 
In the length her counsels reach? 

May her work supremely needed, 
To make woman woman raise, 

By the great and good be heeded 
As a work surpassing praise. 

Bear her up, ye earnest spirits, 
Help her on, ye men of might ; 

God will multiply her merits, 
In the women's war to fight. 

Special angels guide and guard her, 

'Till her mighty task is done ; 
And the Master's hands reward her 
With the crown so nobly won. 
5 Harpur Street, London, W. C. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Liverpool— A Sunday Breakfast— Meeting American Mission- 
aries— First Public Meeting in Liverpool— An Interview 
With a Pastor— Meeting at Hope Hall— A Critique in the 
' Liverpool "Post"— A Ladies' Conference— Meeting in Al- 
bert Hall— Waterloo— St. Hellens— Wigan — Widnes— Gar- 
ston— Templar Hall, Warwick Street— Chester— Bootle— 
Meeting Friends— Meeting at Leigh— Free Church, Liver- 
pool—Call on Josephine E. Butler— "The Drunkard's 
Raggit Wean." 

RETURNING to Liverpool upon my promise made 
the friends there before going to London to give 
them a three weeks' engagement, I was met by Mrs. 
Lawrence and other friends and taken to Beach Bank, 
Mrs. Lawrence's hospitable country seat, a little out of 
the city. 

On Saturday evening, at the reception given by sister 
Lawrence, I had the pleasure of meeting a number of 
the temperance friends, who seemed never to tire of 
hearing of America and of our crusade. On Sabbath 
morning sister Lawrence took me, by invitation, to 
one of those Sunday morning breakfasts where the 
benevolent Christians gather in the homeless and 
poverty stricken, furnish them a lunch, and take the 
occasion to read the Scriptures, give them religious 
instruction, and sing and pray with them. 

To those grown familiar with the sight of the 
wretched subjects of the drink, and the scenes inevita- 
bly connected with it from daily observation in those 
large cities, I suppose such spectacles as five or six 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 169 

hundred poor, haggard human beings in every stage 
of degradation and misery become ordinary occur- 
rences, familiarity divesting them largely of their terri- 
ble effects on the mind. But to one never before having 
witnessed such a sight, it was almost unbearable. I 
was, with much difficulty, able to restrain my emotions 
till we reached the carriage, when I broke down and 
cried miserably. Oh, the misery of it ! oh, the horror 
of it all ! In a land boasting of its civilization, its in- 
telligence, culture, refinement, claiming to be a 
Christian nation, boasting of its charitable and benevo- 
lent institutions ! Yes, pointing to such as this Sun- 
day morning breakfast as corroboration of such claim ! 
The government tolerating, protecting by deliberately - 
conceiveci and well-framed laws, the abominable 
business that produces all these results — all these 
results — and every member of parliament, every 
official, every citizen in the kingdom knowing well 
that they are the results of it. 

And in kind are the laws of my own country and of 
every nation under God's blue heavens calling itself 
Christian. What effrontery, what blasphemy ! Taking 
the name of the blessed friend of sinners, who gave 
Himself a ransom for those poor slaves of appetite, 
as He did for the highest dignitaries, and at the same 
time helping, with our political and social influence 
and example, to plunge them into hell ! 

Where are the Jeremiahs to sound the note of alarm 
and warning while yet the the thunderbolts ot God's 
judgment are stayed in mid-heaven? "Shall I not 
visit for these things? saith the Lord." "A wonder- 
ful and horrible thing is committed in the land." "The 



170 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by 
their means, and my people love to have it so ; and 
what will ye do in the end thereof? " 

At this breakfast I met a reverend gentleman who 
very kindly invited me to meet some returning Ameri- 
can missionaries at his house to tea, the next evening. 
I felt very grateful for the invitation, and especially 
as it gave me the hope of meeting people from my 
own country, even though they were unknown to me, 
personally. The fact was, with all my blessed, over- 
whelming work and the loving care of the dear 
friends, I was a little — yes, a good bit — home-sick, and 
in seeing anyone of my own land I anticipated much 
pleasure- I found them to be Dr. Nutting and family, 
returning after a residence of several years in Meso- 
potamia, where the doctor had served the American 
Board as medical missionary. And upon meeting 
him I found he was a brother of a classmate, Miss 
Marcia Nutting, when I was a student at Granville 
seminary, in girlhood days. 

The occasion was a most enjoyable one. Of course, 
the subject of my mission was discussed, and the 
doctor informed me that they had in Mesopotamia a 
community numbering 25,000, one of the conditions of 
citizenship being total abstinence. I was glad of the 
opportunity of asking information on the question of 
communion wine as used in the East. It was a subject 
of much discussion in England, and the fact that 
fermented wine was used almost universally was a 
source of great trial and grief to the total abstainers. 

At this point of our conversation our host remarked 
to me that I must not be so extreme in my views, or I 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 171 

would not get on with the better class of people. I 
was not a little startled, for I had not thought before 
that one could be too extreme on the subject. I asked 
him with whom I would get on. " Oh, the Good 
Templars and such," he answered. Well, I concluded 
that would not be so bad, yet it gave me great pain 
and solicitude. For, notwithstanding the glorious 
success with which the Lord had blessed my labors so 
far, I was so faithless in regard to myself that I began 
to think very fast and grow very miserable. Oh, if I 
shall fail to meet the expectations of my friends ! 
They have with so much confidence made every 
arrangement for meetings, not only in Liverpool, but 
in all the adjacent towns and cities. 

But there was no time for reflection or nursing my 
misery. I must hasten away, wrapped in my wet 
blanket — a pretty cool night, too — to my first public 
meeting in Liverpool. The meeting was held in the 
Congregational church, Norwood Grove, Mr. N. 
Simpson presiding. 

Any speaker who has ever had a similar experience 
will be able to appreciate my situation ; no one else 
can — my first appearance before a public audience in 
Liverpool, and on it would, in all probability, depend 
my success or failure for the rest. May be I was too 
extreme in my views and utterances to suit those very 
good, but certainly mistaken people on the sin of in- 
temperance. But I could not compromise my con- 
science ; I must declare my convictions and deliver 
my message of warning. 

How I labored, and how I felt that every effort I 
made must be seen by the audience to be a beating of 



172 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the air ! I was really in an agony, but I got through. 
And to my amazement my good, indulgent friends 
congratulated me on my "successful effort." 

When I told them what a weight I was carrying? 
and all the time feeling that they must see it and feel 
chagrined and disappointed, they were kind enough to 
assure me they saw nothing of the kind, and that my 
address gave great satisfaction. 

The fact was, the temperance people were not in 
sympathy with my extremely conservative clerical 
friend. And they greatly enjoyed the "hard blows" I 
dealt on the drinking ministers and church members. 
I am glad to say, in justice to the reverend gentleman, 
that he has long since taken much higher ground. 

At the close of the meeting the pastor of the church 
came forward and asked to be introduced, when Mrs. 
Lawrence remarked to him that she was surprised not 
to see him on the platform ; he should have been in 
the chair. "Oh, no," he replied, "I do not go quite 
as far as Mrs. Stewart. I am not a teetotaler." He 
was standing on the floor and I on the platform, which 
brought me about to his height. Before I could have 
time for reflection, his acknowledgment that he was 
not a temperance man, or a " teetotaler," so surprised 
me — shocked me, is the word — that I dropped my 
hand very suddenly on his shoulder and exclaimed, 
" Why, my brother, you don't tell me so ? " The good 
man was quite startled, and looked up at me as if he 
thought he had really fallen into the hands of one of 
those dreadful crusaders. But as soon as he could get 
his breath, he answered as calmly as he could, " Oh, 
yes, I have to have my stimulant ; I could not live and 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 73 

do my work without it." "Then die," said I ; "die for 
Christ's sake." 

I do not doubt such utterances from a woman were 
very shocking to his sensibilities. 

On the afternoon of March 7th, I met the ladies of 
the Liverpool Temperance Association at their annual 
tea meeting at Hope Hall, Hope street, and at night 
addressed a very large meeting held in the same hall, 
which was presided over by Mr. J. Patterson, J. P. 
By this time I had been able to throw off my wet 
blanket and rally from the ague fit it had occasioned. 
In fact, " Richard was himself again." 

In consideration of the aforesaid blanket and ague 
fit brought on by my very kind host's admonitions, I 
hope the reader will pardon me for copying here a 
critique that appeared the next morning in the Liver- 
pool Post. The writer I did not know, never saw, 
and did not even learn his name ; but was told he was 
one of the staff — his duty being to report public 
lecturers who visited the city and to write them up, or 
down, as he thought best, and was generally considered 
a very caustic critic. The friends knowing him not to 
be a teetotaler, and not especially interested in the 
cause of temperance, were very much surprised at his 
fairness, as they were pleased to term it. For myself, 
I am in not a little doubt whether I deserve it, as I have 
felt in regird to many another generous criticism of 
the press. But I have it, and appreciate it, too. 

STRANGERS ON THE PLATFORM. 

There stood, or slowly paced about, a deliberate and 
oratorical speaker ; not loud, indeed, nor glib (or she 
would have been less an orator), but an evident mis-' 



1 74 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

tress of all the expedients of public speech. How she 
glided to her conclusions, shutting you suddenly in 
with them by a sudden grip of ad hominem argument, 
or a good humored push of sarcastic freedom ! 

How solemnly she could pass into the fervor of a 
life reminiscence, withdrawing, as it were, from the 
presence of the audience into a nimbus of faithful and 
devout experience ! How she could at five words' 
notice command irrepressible tears. How she could 
make the war time live for her Liverpool audience, as 
it had been for her and other American women who 
went patiently, but feverishly and in agony through its 
poignant changes and chances ! How powerfully she 
could adventure on pathos of less dignity, and give a 
pure sublimity to the white hyacinth, at the sight of 
which the young American debauchee turned away 
from his usual haunts of indulgence! And how 
humbly she acknowledged the divine favor when she 
declared the best of all was, "We received our pay as 
we went along in the blessedness that came into our 
own hearts." 

She had received a friendly caution to be moderate, 
and she recited the counsel given her in a curious tone 
of respecttul, but sardonic and sub-acid narrative. 
Then she asked with simplicity how she was to begin 
to be moderate. Next she offered an effective sample 
of moderation, not grossly overdone, but soon quitted 
the style with quiet scorn as unworthy of herself and 
unwished by her hearers ; reminded them that God 
would not look upon sin with any degree of allow- 
ance, and read with stern, unquivering accents from 
Jeremiah, the finest, perhaps, of the many old Hebrew 
passages in which dense sinfulness and obduracy is 
brought into the majestic presence of the "power that 
makes for righteousness." It was a fine commence- 
ment. You might not agree with the suppressed 
premise that drink is sin, but the skilled orator held 
you for the time under a spell superior to exact reason. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 175 

And the same power was again and again developed 
after Mrs. Stewart had launched into her subject. 

My next meeting, March 9th, was a ladies' confer- 
ence, under the auspices of the Ladies' Temperance 
Association, of which Mrs. Dr. Townsen was presi- 
dent. This was a largely-attended assemblage of 
representative ladies. Dr. Townsen occupied the 
chair. I find myself in possession of a report of this 
meeting, from which I quote a few sentences : 

Mother Stewart said there seemed to be enough 
drinking places in Liverpool to kill every man, woman 
and child in the city. Mrs. O'Brien and Mrs. Gilpin 
afterwards addressed the assembly. 

At the close of Mrs. Stewart's address a young man 
stepped forward and said that five years ago he left 
his wife and two children in Liverpool and went to 
America. He was a drunken man when he went 
there, and he continued his drunken career until last 
Christmas day, when he was picked out of the gutter, 
as it were, of the streets of Philadelphia, by two sisters 
of the Temperance Union. They returned him safely 
to his family, and he was now happy. He desired to 
publicly thank those ladies for what they had done for 
him. 

This young man had immediately upon his arrival 
sought me out and told me his pitiful story of his fall 
and degradation through the appetite for drink, his 
desertion of his family, and the lower and lower 
depths to which he had gone down, till that blessed 
Christmas morning when those devoted Christian 
ladies found him by the wayside and induced him to 
go with them to meeting. A revival meeting was in 
progress in Dr. Ridgeway's (Methodist) church, and 



1^6 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

they took him there. Conviction seized him, and with 
strong cries and tears of repentance he besought the 
Lord for pardon ; and before the day dawned he gave 
his heart to Jesus and yielded to be saved a sinner 
saved as by fire. Those elect ladies kept motherly 
watch and guard over him till they felt that he might 
in safety be sent on his way home. They passed him 
to the hands of other Christian friends, who saw him 
aboard the steamer with prow turned towards home. 

I advised him to at once put himself under the 
guardian care of the temperance friends of Liverpool, 
and I charged them to give him watchful care and 
encouragement. But in talking with me he said with 
evident solicitude and fear : " Oh, if only my wife 
would consent to give up her beer ; but she will not.'' 
I saw where his fall must inevitably come, and I was 
not surprised upon my return, before sailing for home, 
to hear from the friends that " he was gone." For a 
time he had written to the ladies in Philadelphia, tell- 
ing them of his hunting me up, and of casting his lot 
in with the temperance friends in Liverpool. Then his 
letters had ceased coming. When I reached Philadel- 
phia how eagerly those devoted women hastened to 
me to inquire about their charge. Alas, alas ! what sad 
news I was obliged to give them ! 

It seemed that neither they nor his pastor, Dr. 
Ridgeway, could believe it possible that he had fallen. 
He had given such unmistakable evidence of reform 
and of having come to Jesus. Oh, the accursed drink ! 

And what shall be said of a drink-enslaved wife 
who will not give up her indulgence, even though the 
soul as well as bodv of her husband shall be the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 177 

sacrifice? And oh, what of a government that by law 
protects men in a business that so enslaves even a 
woman as to crush out all sense of obligation as a wife 
and mother — a business that shall keep the tempta- 
tion forever flaunted in the face of the poor, struggling, 
appetite-enchained soul? Prometheus is fable ; this is 
living, intense, nineteenth century fact. Because, tor- 
sooth, from "The Trade" it derives large revenues. 
"Shall I not be avenged on such a nation as this?" 
saith my God. 

I have loved to think of England's queen as a model 
sovereign, a model woman and mother. But I am 
wondering how the scales may be adjusted by the 
hand of eternal justice between the monarch of the 
greatest empire on earth and the not much more than 
half-civilized queen of the little kingdom lying under 
the Southern cross, the whilom heathen Madagascar. 
You tell me that the queen in this case is powerless ; 
the laws would control or restrain even her. And I 
insist that as the sovereign, knowing that "the trade," 
that the manufacturers and their supporters mouth 
with such unction, is sending from sixty to a hundred 
thousand of her subjects to eternal death every year, 
entailing the destruction of homes and pampering and 
making criminals of a great army of helpless children, 
degrading, imbruting, impoverishing her subjects, it is 
her right and duty to crush such a scourge out of ex- 
istence. Let her high-mighty law-makers rebel if 
they would. All the world would sustain such a sov- 
ereign. And having emancipated that great army of 
her subjects from a ten-fold greater thralldom than 
that of our African slaves, she would take her place 



178 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

by the side of — if not above — our immortal martyr, 
Lincoln, for all the ages to come. The English gov- 
ernment boasts of protecting its citizens in all lands, 
and really does make much ado, and the grim old lion 
roars and snarls and shows his teeth upon occasion, 
when it fancies the rights of a subject are infringed. 
Here is this case. Leaving his native land a wreck, 
almost an outcast, citizens of another government 
gather him up from the wayside, set him on his feet 
and return him a sober man, a Christian, with all high 
purposes and hopes of a new life inspired, ready to 
take his place among the respectable, law T -abiding 
citizens. He goes down again. Why? Because this 
boastful Christian(?) government has, for the sake of 
the money it pays into its coffers, permitted " the 
trade" to place pitfalls in his way that he falls into as 
soon as he again steps onto his native shores. 

Out upon such a pretense of government! Govern- 
ment, indeed ! It is barbarous tyranny upon wretched, 
helpless victims. It is no sort of vindication to say 
they are not compelled to buy or drink the soul-de- 
stroying stuff. By its stringent protection of "the 
trade," the subject is given to understand that it is 
perfectly legitimate to drink ; and by the example set 
from the throne, the high officials in church and state 
to the stable boy and the scavenger, he is led to believe 
it is no bar to respectability to drink. His veins are 
full of it ; it tingles through nerve and brain, "visiting 
the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto 
the third and fourth generation." The very air is 
laden with it. The wretch struggling against these 
combined forces is chafed and sneered at, if with all 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 79 

the energy he is master of he attempts to fight the 
odds. If he goes down, " Oh, well, he is a poor, weak 
fool ; why could he not drink in moderation? (Why 
couldn't he thrust his hand in the flame and burn it 
only a little ? ) What need to make a beast of himself? 
Cart him off to the work-house. Send wife and chil- 
dren to the alms-house." A Christian nation? I have 
said elsewhere that my own country is well up with 
England in favoring "the trade" and permitting the 
slaughter of its citizens. "Great is Diana of the 
Ephesians." 

Under the auspices of the Good Templars a meeting 
was held in Albert Hall, Virgil street, Scotland Road, 
on the evening of the 9th. A full report of the pro- 
ceedings and addresses was printed in pamphlet for 
circulation among their temperance literature. In a 
paper in my possession I find quite a full report of this 
meeting, from which I take the following : 

There was a very large attendance, mainly of work- 
ing people. The Rev. John Foulks occupied the 
chair, and was supported by Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. 
Clarke, Miss Patterson, Miss Thomas, the Rev. J. B. 
Stoneman, Messrs. Walter Bathgate, Adam Gibson, 
A. B. Craig, J. G. Brown, W. Tait, B. Clark, M. Beb- 
bington, Jos. Thomas and others. The chairman, in 
opening the meeting, said there was very little doubt 
that if the workingmen of the country had this ques- 
tion in their own hands to settle it would be settled 
very soon, and they would see a very different state of 
things. 

The Rev. J. B. Stoneman proposed, "That this 
audience, having heard of the abundant and success- 
ful efforts of Mrs. Stewart to rescue the perishing in 
other parts, tender her its cordial greeting, and de- 



iSo THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

voutly prays that her labors in South Lancashire may 
be graciously owned and abundantly blessed of 
Almighty God." 

Mr. Bathgate seconded the resolution, which was 
passed. Mother Stewart, who was received with 
applause, then addressed the meeting, and Rev. J. 
Yearns and Mr. J. Gough Brown afterwards spoke. 
An overflow meeting was held in another part of the 
building, and was addressed by Mother Stewart. 

At this meeting was quite a tablefull of reporters. I 
was not a little amused, on looking down over the 
desk at the reporter's table, to discover one young 
gentleman all absorbed, now and again catching furtive 
glances at the speaker and transferring her face to his 
paper. 

I here, as in London, received the kindest reports 
through the press. My friends said, with much sur- 
prise, that the press had never given so much space 
before to the temperance cause, and no speaker had 
been so generously dealt with. There were often half 
a dozen or more reporters at the table. 

In the same paper of later date I find a report of a 
meeting on the nth, held in the Wesleyan school 
building, Waterloo, a fashionable suburb of Liver- 
pool. 

The audience was composed of a most respectable 
and educated class of people. The chair was taken 
by a leading Wesleyan, Mr. Pheyser, and addresses 
made by Mr. N. Smythe, D. C and Mother Stewart, 
who was warmly received and heard with rapt at- 
tention. 

At the close of my speech one of the gentlemen 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITArN. l8l 

remarked, " Well, the lady certainly tells the truth, 
anyhow." It was here, at Waterloo, that Jefferson 
Davis sojourned while in Liverpool. 

As was to be expected, my fashion of "hitting 
hard" sometimes called out rejoinders. I found the 
Licensed Victualers Bill, for which the grand old 
premier, Gladstone, is held responsible, giving grocers 
the privilege of selling bottled liquor, was working 
very great disaster, as it had come to be a common 
custom for women buying groceries for family use to 
also order their bottle of liquor. And very often 
under the innocent head of pickles or tea, the husband 
would unsuspectingly pay his wife's liquor bills. And 
by this easy and ingenious device, drunkenness was 
being introduced into hitherto happy and virtuous 
homes, and intemperance was alarmingly on the in- 
crease among women. It was a good thing to hit, and 
I hit it with all my might. I advised the men, when 
settling their grocer's bills, to take notice how often 
tea and pickles were entered in the account. Of 
course this created a sensible stir in some quarters- 
One dear, good woman rushed into the papers and 
charged that Mother Stewart would cause husbands to 
lose confidence in their wives. I answered from the 
platform that all that was neccessary in the case to 
restore confidence, if deserved, was for the husbands 
to revive the old Roman custom of kissing their wives. 

As an offset to the attack of my lady friend, I give 
what a gentleman said about it to the editor of the 
daily Post: 

Sir : — Though I do not claim to be a teetotaler, I 
cordially endorse Mother Stewart's remarks at the 



l82 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

meeting of the 6th inst, especially as regards grocers' 
licenses. There is little doubt that the great increase 
of drunkenness amongst women, which we have had 
to lament, may be traced to this cause. I myself know 
of instances where women go to grocers for drink, 
who would be ashamed to enter a public house, thus 
not only obtaining drink, but deceiving their husbands. 
I think all temperance societies should strongly agitate 
for a repeal of these mischievous licenses ; and I can- 
not see why publicans could not join them in this 
work, for not only do the grocers encroach upon 
their business, and, if I am not mistaken, upon favora- 
ble terms as to cost of licenses, to say nothing of not 
being under police surveillance, but they receive the 
odium of causing drunkenness, which is really caused 
by the latter. If any proof of my assertions is neces- 
sary, I merely refer you to the police returns for the 
last ten years, by which you will see that drunkenness 
has alarmingly increased, especially among women, in 
the latter part of the term, during which these licenses 
have been in existence. For the sake of humanity 
generally I hope you will devote a leading article to 
this innovation in the drink trade, and show teetotalers 
and publicans a way in which they can unite to de- 
crease drunkenness, which I fear will never be done to 
any extent while there exists a grocer's license. 

The grocer's license still exists (sixteen years later) ? 
and the drunkenness goes on increasing, notwith- 
standing the superhuman efforts of the great army of 
the bravest soldiers, men and women, that ever met an 
enemy to arrest its progress. 

I have attempted to give a glimpse of the scene I 
witnessed in the police court on that first Monday 
morning after my arrival in Liverpool. I will here 
copy a memorandum obtained for me by Miss Patter- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 183 

son, secretary of the Liverpool Ladies' Association, 
Just before I left : 

Liverpool Police Court, 

Monday, May 22, 1876. 
Cases brought before the magistrate for being drunk 
and disorderly, 232, out of which were 139 women, 
many of them quite young. Thirty-six had small 
infants in their arms. 

One woman had been up 79 times. 



One 
One 

Two women 
Seven " 
Six 



59 
43 
38 

3° 

28 



What of the husbands, what of the children, what 
of the ho?nes of England? But I must get back to 
my work. 

On Saturday evening I went out, accompanied by 
Mrs. Collings, Miss Patterson and Mr. Bebbington, to 
Haydoc, the center of a district of colliers. We found 
the Wesleyan chapel crowded with a very earnest 
audience. The chair was taken by Mr. J. H. How- 
shall, a home missionary engaged in that locality. 
Mr. Bebbington addressed the meeting, and the re- 
porter says Mother .Stewart was listened to with 
intense interest for over an hour. It was intimated 
that scores would sign the pledge. We left before the 
meeting closed, to return f o the city, and did not learn 
the actual number. 

Similar meetings were arranged for the next week, 
with encouraging prospects of great success. In this 
district a wealthy and pious lady employs a woman as 
Bible reader and missionary, as is frequently done by 



184 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ladies of the upper class, to visit the homes of the 
miners, read the Word and give any needed instruction. 

Monday, 13th, with brother Bebbington as escort, I 
went out to St. Hellens, some twelve miles out of the 
city, and addressed an immense meeting. The women 
here formed a union and decided to inaugurate prayer 
and mass meetings. Forty ladies joined the organiza- 
tion. It is at this town that the renowned Lancashire 
glass works are located. In my parlor hangs a beauti- 
ful Good Templar's device in glass, made here expressly 
for the "crusader," and presented by sisters Jackson 
and King, of St. Hellens. After our meeting we 
returned to the city, as was our custom to do, from 
cities six to twenty miles distant. 

As has already been seen, I was not very sparing in 
my denunciation of drinking Christians, even express- 
ing my doubts of such enjoying an experimental 
knowledge of the religion of Jesus. This was unheard- 
of audacity on the part of a temperance lecturer, 
and of course my way of putting it was very shocking 
to them. And so some good lady again rushed 
into the paper and inquired if people who drink are 
not Christians ; what became of all the evangelical 
ministers and the 2,000 Sabbath-school teachers in the 
city? Her mode of putting it, however, was a little 
beyond her warrant. I give it simply as the statement 
of one of the citizens that "all the evangelical minis- 
ters and the 2,000 Sunday-school teachers drink." I 
wonder what those teachers ever said to their scholars 
about the drink ! Perhaps Father Nugent's report 
from the prisons of Liverpool, given not far from this 
time, may throw a little light on the subject. He says 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 185 

nearly all the inmates had been Sunday-school scholars 
for a longer or shorter time. If those 2,000 drinking 
teachers had been faithful in precept and example on 
the drink question, is it probable so many would have 
been brought up behind the prison bars? Intemper- 
ance is the chief cause that leads to crime and prison. 
I am happy to testify, of my own knowledge, that not 
all the ministers are in the habit of drinking, for many 
were my strong supporters in my work. But they 
were the exception to the general rule, as were the 
teetotaler Christians. My friend, Mrs. Lawrence, 
told me that she could count on every finger ministers 
whom she had known to have fallen through drink. 

I answered my lady assailant again from the plat- 
form, that I would not presume to sit in judgment on 
any one and unchristianize them because they drank, 
but I could say, most emphatically, that they would 
be very much better Christians if they did not. 

As Mrs. Lawrence drove me out to her country seat 
one day, she took me to visit a magnificent church that 
had been built not long before by a wealthy brewer. 
I noticed a framed card hanging on one of the 
pillars, and upon reading found it to be a request of 
the visitor to offer up a prayer for the builder, for the 
congregation that worshiped there, and for his own 
soul. I said, "I won't." I would not pray in a place 
the walls of which were cemented together with the 
blood and tears of the victims of that brewer's soul- 
destroying business. 

Again, all Liverpool was excited over a grand art 
hall that was almost finished — built by the great XXX 
Ale man, A. B. Walker, and soon to be by him pre- 



l86 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

sented to the city. He had expended upon it £30,000. 
And with very imposing ceremonies it was not long 
after handed over to the city. 

We in our country who have advanced so far in our 
fight against the traffic as, in some degree, at least, to 
make it disreputable for a man to manufacture or deal 
in this scourge of the human race, cannot form any 
sort of idea of the reverence paid to those great 
brewers and distillers in that country. They give 
them prominent positions in their churches, place 
them at the head of benevolent institutions, and send 
them to parliament. 

I remember, upon visiting St. Paul's, in London, the 
janitor took us down to the crypt to point out the 
various resting places of the illustrious dead. Upon 
coming to the Wellington sarcophagus he droned to 
us, in a tone that he intended should be awfully im- 
posing and awe-inspiring, that the great brewer — 
somebody — had furnished his magnificent black horses 
to draw the illustrious remains to their last resting 
place. But as my education in that direction had 
been totally neglected, really I could not see that 
England had added any more lustre to her name, or 
that the great warrior was sleeping any more peace- 
fully than if some good, loyal drayman had sent his 
horses. 

But this great brewer, Walker, of the XXX brand, 
besides his immense brewing establishments, owned 
one-third of all the public houses in Liverpool, and 
because of the wealth he had gained by making others 
poorer the people worshiped him, though they knew 
he was doing his share, and that a large one, to make 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 187 

his city what it emphatically was, "Old drunken 
Liverpool." 

Notwithstanding my clerical friend's admonition 
that I would not get on with the respectable class of 
Christian people if I publicly advocated such extreme 
views as I held, I did not hesitate to refer to the 
great XXX ale magnate as a worthy subject of prayer 
for my temperance sisters. This was again too shock- 
ing for anything to the "respectable class of Chris- 
tians," who held that it was no sin to drink, and, of 
course, none to manufacture the drink. So I came in 
for more criticism, as one must expect to if some one 
is hurt. It was not surprising that my fearless de- 
nunciation of the traffic, and of Christians for their 
complicity in it, or, at least, of their tolerance of it, 
was very shocking to their sensitive nerves, for they 
had been accustomed to look with supreme contempt 
upon the teetotalers as a "poor lot," who had no busi- 
ness to thrust their views upon the notice of respectable 
people. 

We are scarcely able, in these days of the advanced 
sentiment upon the temperance question, to realize or 
believe what the early advocates had to contend with 
in attempting to promulgate their principles. Very 
often they suffered violence at the hands of infuriated 
mobs, set on by the publicans. My friend, Mr. N. 
Smythe, of Liverpool, told me he had been stoned 
and dragged through a horse pond. And Mrs. Hilton 
told me that in her husband's earlier years he had to 
endure many indignities. On one occasion she was 
with him when he spoke out of doors. A howling 
mob surrounded him, and with their noise attempted 



l88 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

to drown his voice. One great, burly fellow, more 
demonstrative than the rest, would nourish his fists 
and roar out at the top of his voice, "I'll have his 
heart's blood ; I'll have his heart's blood ! " She stood 
trembling and, of course, very pale, expecting every 
moment to see her husband torn to pieces. The big 
ruffian still shouting, " I'll have his heart's blood ; I'll 
have his heart's blood !" managed to work himself up 
near enough to her to say, under his breath, "Don't 
you be frightened, ma'am ; I am paid^ for this. I 
would not hurt a hair of his head," shouting in the 
next breath at the top of his voice, "I'll have his 
heart's blood ; I'll have his heart's blood ! " 

The great cry of the good, tippling Christians 
against the temperance advocates was that they were 
"putting temperance before the Gospel." There is 
always a class of people who, when you attempt to 
stir up their consciences in regard to a cherished sin, 
at once grow wonderfully anxious for the promulgation 
of the Gospel. What an agony this class was thrown 
into in the days of our slavery agitation ! If a 
minister ventured from his pulpit to denounce that 
crime of holding human beings in bondage, and buy- 
ing and selling them as cattle and swine, oh, dear, how 
hungry they grew at once for the " Gospel ! " 

In these latter days, when the world is coming up 
to the last great battle with the arch enemy of man- 
kind, and demanding that it shall be prohibited, as 
other lesser crimes are, and ministers from their pulpits 
are daring to cry out against it, the wail comes again 
for the "Gospel." They don't want "politics," and it 
is an unpardonable sin for a minister to meddle with 



THE CRL'SADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 1 89 

politics. Who is able to measure the deceitfulness of 
sin? 

March 14th, brother N. Smythe and others accom- 
panied me out to Wigan. We were entertained to 
tea by Mr. Nichols, the hotel keeper. There are large 
chemical works here. It is also in the midst of a 
mining region, and it was a sight of much interest, 
not witnessed in our country, to see the women in the 
peculiar garments adapted to their work busily en- 
gaged in shoveling, screening and wheeling the coal. 
They do not now, as in former times, work down in 
the mines. But the day was so very windy that we 
could not go out to take a close observation of these 
singular laborers. Our audience was a very large 
one. After meeting we returned to Liverpool, the 
distance being eighteen miles. 

The largest meeting ever held in Widnes, so said 
the papers of the next day, was held in the Volunteers 
Hall. Rev. J. Leathv presided, and addresses were 
made by Mother Stewart, Messrs. N. Smythe, N. 
Taylor, B. Brown, J. Hargraves, R. Lee and A. Speak- 
man. The chairman, as a practical result, invited any 
of the women present who felt inclined to work to 
meet him for prayer, time and place to be arranged. 
On leaving the hall the large audience arose and 
cheered the crusader again and again. A vote of 
thanks was passed to the committee for affording the 
citizens of Widnes an opportunity of hearing her. 

At Garston, on the 16th, we had another big house, 
Mr. Joseph Malins, Grand Chief Templar, came up 
from Liverpool, arriving after nine o'clock, and spoke 
We took tea at brother Bebbington's. We stopped at 



I9O THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the house of a very respectable Methodist gentleman 
and lady to wait the coming of the train to take 
us back to the city. Some one of our company good- 
humoredly suggested that there was room there for a 
crusading, whereupon I proceeded to investigate and 
found they "had not become teetotalers;" were 
temperate, of course. Everybody was in that country, 
only and excepting the gutter drunkard and "the little 
I take certainly can't do anyone any harm." 

I had been early instructed that in seeking to enforce 
my principles I must use the word " teetotal" or " total 
abstinence," as the people would talk with me all day 
on "temperance," agreeing with me all the time. Of 
course temperance wi£h such people meant drinking 
in moderation( ?) ; that is, not more than they want, 
I suppose. I learned afterwards that the lady said, 
"If Mother Stewart had opened the cupboard at her 
elbow, she would no doubt have been quite shocked 
at the discovery she would have made." 

Friday evening, 17th. — The Liverpool Mercury 
comes to the aid of my memory and furnishes a report 
of a meeting in Templar Hall, Warwick street, under 
the auspices of the Independent Order of Good 
Templars. The Rev. Stephen Todd presided, and Mr. 
Adam Gibson sang, with very fine effect, "The Drunk- 
ard's Raggit Wean." Mr. Gibson was a sturdy 
Scotchman and staunch teetotaler. 

On the 18th, escorted by Mr. Harrison, Miss Patter- 
son and Mr. Whitehead, I went to old Chester. We 
were entertained by Mr. Roberts to tea. I can re- 
member but little of this meeting, but do remember 
of attempting, in a very brief space of time, and in the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 191 

face of a furious wind, to explore some of the points 
of interest in this quaint old Roman city. We visited 
the old Cathedral, walked on the Roman wall that 
once enclosed the city, visited the tower on the wall 
where Charles the First stood and looked off across 
the nV.ds and witnessed the defeat of his army by 
Cromwell's forces, at Rowton Moor. We next visited 
the old burial place where the people of long genera- 
tions ago deposited their dead, but to us they were as 
if they never had lived — only some old crumbling 
tombstones to tell of men and women who had walked 
where we were now walking. Some had been carried 
and laid there by their friends, who had in their turn 
been brought to lie down by their side. Some of these 
crumbling stones, it is said, date beyond the Romans, 
and mark the resting place of Druids. Finally, a 
promenade "under the Rows" closed our all too-hurried 
visit to this quaint, old place. After meeting we re- 
traced our twenty miles to Liverpool. 

Monday evening, 20th, we had a meeting at Burk- 
enhead, across the Mersey from Liverpool. The jam 
was so great that it was with difficulty that I could 
make my way through the mass of people to the plat- 
form. The excitement and enthusiasm were such as 
might be expected from such an audience. Brother 
Smythe, of my committee, presided. 

Tuesday, 21st, I addressed a meeting at Warrington, 
in charge of Mr. George Whitehead, of the committee. 

Wednesday, 22d, I went to Bootle, a very pleasant 
town six miles out of the city. The meeting was in 
the assembly rooms, brother Collings presiding. Mrs. 
Collings, Miss Patterson and Rev. James Yearns, a 



192 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Wesleyan minister and enthusiastic supporter of the 
temperance cause, assisted. The audience, which was 
of the better class of citizens, seemed much interested, 
and a goodly number of ladies gave their names for 
the formation of a woman's union, or praying band, 
as the ladies then seemed generally to prefer to call 
the associations we formed. The ladies of the Liver- 
pool Association had, upon the beginning of my work, 
established a daily prayer meeung, which I generally 
attended. But on this afternoon I found myself so 
weary that I was obliged to lie down and rest before 
going out to the evening meeting. 

When my escort called for me, the ladies brought 
me a very exciting piece of news. A gentleman 
giving his name as Rev. Cherrington, missionary from 
the United States to India, had just arrived in the 
city and was stopping at the Lawrence hotel. He had 
learned that Mother Stewart was in the city, and had 
come to the meeting in hope of seeing her. "She was 
a very dear friend ; had nursed him when a child ; 
was a life-long friend of his mother." The ladies got 
things somewhat mixed, understanding that his mother 
was with him. I was nearly wild. Could it be that 
my dear friend, Mrs. Cherrington, and one of her sons 
was in the city? No familiar face had I seen since I 
said good-bye to my New York friends on board the 
City of Brooklyn. 

While all absorbed in my blessed work I could 
forget, but in the brief intervals such a feeling of 
homesickness would come over me that I would have 
flown on the wings of the wind if it had been possible. 
Here were some of the dearest friends of my life, and 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. I93 

of "Auld Lang Syne," in the city. But I had not a 
moment, even, to crowd back the lump in my throat. 
I must set out at once. "Well, I'll find them upon my 
return if it shall be midnight, which it very probably 
will." 

On my way back I told brother Collings I must be 
driven to the Lawrence hotel. But he assured me that 
the hou«e would be closed for the night, and, besides, 
the Chester races being on, it would, as all the hotels 
in the city, be crowded to its utmost capacity. There 
was nothing for me to do but to wait and watch for 
the morning, as it was little sleep that would come to 
help me bridge over the remaining hours. 

Early as possible next morning I called at the 
Lawrence hotel to find Rev. W. F. Cherrington, with 
his wife and Miss Swain, M. D., returning from India. 
Mrs. C.'s health had failed, and her physician had 
ordered her return to her native land to prolong her 
life. Miss Swain, our first lady medical missionary, 
was also returning, atter several years of arduous 
labor, for a much needed season of rest. The meeting 
with these dear friends was truly to me a cheering 
occasion. But even this delightful interview must be 
cut short, for my work demanded my time. 

On this evening I was taken out to Leigh, and ad- 
dressed another mammoth meeting under the auspices 
of the Good Templars, brother J. B. Collings presiding. 
In the Leigh Chronicle of the next day I find a very 
full report of this meeting, in which it was stated that 
there had not been such an assembly at a temperance 
meeting since John B. Gough visited their city. 

In going through my papers of those days, among 



194 TH E CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

my interminable gatherings, I have been not a little 
interested in the posters. I had forgotten that I had any 
of them. In size and lettering and taking announce- 
ment I am disposed to believe the English temperance 
people excel us. For instance, here is one announcing 
my meeting at St. Hellens, measuring 30 by 40 inches, 
in immense letters of black on yellow paper ; others 
on purple, red, white, etc. As I have said before, 
these people have seen the enormity of the liquor 
scourge as we of our country as yet have not — though 
by tremendous strides our wise law-makers are hasten- 
ing to overtake England in the licensing and protection 
of " the trade " — and consequently they use every 
means in their power, and take advantage of every 
opportunity to call the attention of the public to the 
subject. 

After our meeting we again returned to Liverpool, 
some twenty miles. Our meetings were held till a 
late hour, and though the trains ran at frequent inter- 
vals, affording facilities for reaching the city at almost 
any hour, it would be midnight before I reached my 
pillow. 

My last meeting in the series was held at the Free 
Methodist church, Liverpool, Friday evening, 24th. 
Brother Smythe presided. The occasion was a very 
pleasant one, though again there was a tinge of sad- 
ness, for it was the closing of a three weeks' of de- 
lightful association and work with a band of true yoke 
fellows and always-remembered dear friends. 

Besides the public meetings above referred to, I at- 
tended the daily prayer meeting when in the city, and 
if not, I would meet the ladies of the other towns I 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 



95 



visited and encourage and aid them in organizing 
women's unions, or, as they chose to call them, praying 
bands. I am fain to believe that the results have not 
passed away, even though many years have. 

On Saturday, 25th, before leaving for Birmingham, 
I gave myself the pleasure of calling to pay my 
respects to that noble Christian lady, Mrs. Josephine 
E. Butler. Of course, the work to which she has de- 
voted her life was the subject of conversation, and to 
me it was deeply interesting. Whoever looks into 
that sweet, gentle face will be impressed both w r ith 
her earnestness and the importance of the work which 
she has taken up as her life mission. Her face tells 
you she has the heart of a saint and the liie of a 
martyr. Mrs. Butler very kindly offered to present 
me with a copy of her book, recently published, "The 
New Abolition." But I had already been presented 
with a copy by her friend and co-worker, Miss 
Howarth. Upon leaving, my friend Airs. C. remarked 
that she was so glad she had gone with me. She had 
taken up a strong prejudice against Airs. Butler because 
she had heard people speak of her as "that dreadful 
Mrs. Butler, but," she added, " what a sweet lady 
she is ! " 

Yes, whoever follows the Master in the rough and 
rugged way of self-denial and ministration to those 
for whom He died, must expect, like Him, to suffer 
persecution, and not improbably have their names cast 
out as evil. 

My mission ended, I bade farewell to my Liverpool 
friends, and at half past one took the train for 
Birmingham. 



196 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 
THE DRUNKARD'S RAGGIT WEAN. 



BY JAMES P. CRAWFORD. 
[And sung by Mr. Gibson, at my meeting in Templar Hall, Warwick 
St., Liverpool.] 



A wee bit raggit laddie gangs wan'erin' thro' the street, 

Wadin" 'mang the snaw wi' his wee hackitfeet, 

Shiverin' i' cauld blast, greetin' wi" the pain, 

AVha's the poor wee callan ? He's the drunkard's raggit wean. 

He Stan's at ilka door, an' he keeks wi' wistfu' e'e, 

To see the crood aroun' the fire a'lauchin' lood wi' glee, 

For he daurna venture ben, tho' his heart be ee'r sae fain* 

For he mauna play wi" ither bairns, the drunkard's raggit wean. 

Oh, see the wee bit bairnie, his heart is unco fu', 
The sleet is blawin' cauld, an' he's drookit thro' an' thro'. 
He's speerin' for his mither, an' he wonners whaur she's gane, 
But oh, his mither, she forgets her puir, wee, raggit wean. 

He kens nae faither's love, an' he kens nae mither's care, 
To soothe his wee bit sorrows, or kame his tautit hair; 
To kiss him when he waukens, or smooth his bed at e'en, 
And oh, he fears his faither's face, the drunkard's raggit wean. 

Oh, pity the puir laddie, sae guileless an' sae young, 

The oath that leaves the faither's lips 'ill settle on his tongue ; 

An' sinfu' words his mither speaks his infant lips 'ill stain, 

For oh, there's nane to guide the bairn, the drunkard's raggit wean. 

Then surely we micht try an' turn that sinfu' mither's heart, 
An' strive to get his faither to act a faither's part, 
An' mak' them leave the drunkard's cup, an' never taste again, 
An' cherish wi' a parent's care their puir, wee, raggit wean. 



CHAPTER X. 

Birmingham— Consul T. B. Gould — Meeting Noted Personages 
at a Seriks of Breakfasts— Visit to Kenilworth and War- 
wick Castles— Stratford-Upon-A von — A Letter From Miss 
Sarah Jaj^es — Manchester. 

AS ever, when visiting a place in my work for the 
first time, though I had had such abundant proof 
of the warm hospitality of the English people, I could 
not put aside a feeling of solicitude lest I might not 
be received with the cordiality tendered me elsewhere. 
Very probably I may not meet the expectations of the 
temperance friends who have so kindly invited me. 
May be this time I shall make an ignominious failure 
and mortify my friends and injure the cause instead of 
advancing it. Oh, dear ! 

I had but little time, however, for fears and forebod- 
ings. The run out from Liverpool to Birmingham we 
in our land of distances would call a short one, and I 
was soon at my journey's end, and was met by 
Mr. Parry and taken to Mr. John Cadbury's, where I 
was welcomed by that venerable gentleman and 
his amiable daughter, Miss Marie, in such cordial 
fashion as at once to banish all solicitude and make me 
feel that I was again among true and sympathizing 
friends. Friends? Yes, both in name and in fact. 

What a restful home was that, and how was my 
every want anticipated ! Friend Cadbury was a 
stately Christian gentleman of the old school ; and his 
daughter, taking the place of her departed mother at 



I98 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the head of the household, presided over it with 
dignity and grace. How bright and green, and how 
genial the sunshine on that sweet spot in my memory ! 
And yet, alas, the shadow has fallen ; the death angel 
has swept over it and translated the grand old friend 
of God and man to the mansions of the blessed. 
Ah, they are going over, one by one, and the world is 
becoming more lonely. But I am standing on the 
border. 

Immediately upon my arrival, Mr. Cadbury sent out 
an invitation to Mr. T. B. Gould, our consul at 
Birmingham, and his lady, to meet me to tea the next 
evening. It was a great pleasure to meet these friends, 
for besides being from my own country I found them 
to be devoted Christians, and interested in all work 
having for its purpose the elevation of mankind. Mr. 
Gould was highly esteemed by every person. He 
honored his position and brought credit to his country. 
Sorry I am that this cannot be said of all who repre- 
sent our country abroad. 

Mr. Cadbury also very kindly arranged for me to 
meet some of the prominent citizens and Christian 
workers of the city each day at breakfast, thus giving 
me the pleasure of making their acquaintance in an 
hour's social intercourse, and leaving me the remainder 
of the day for my work. 

From the list of names furnished by my host, I 
recall with pleasure Mrs. Avery, wife of the first 
Alderman, afterwards Lord Mayor of Birmingham, 
Miss Eliza M. Sturge, niece of Joseph Sturge, and the 
first lady ever elected to a place on the school board ; 
Mr. J. W. Kirtin, the popular writer, Miss Elizabeth 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 199 

Cadbury, Mrs. Lucas, Messrs. George and Richard 
Cadbury, the sons of my host, and their amiable wives. 

My first public meeting was held on Monday even- 
ing, March 27th, in Temperance Hall. I stopped, 
however, on my way and spoke for a short time to a 
tea meeting at Friends' Institute. By invitation of 
the temperance committee, Mr. Gould presided. I 
greatly appreciated the favor of being thus publicly 
indorsed by so influential a countryman. 

Tuesday evening we had another meeting with a 
large audience. On Wednesday morning Mr. George 
Cadbury, son of my esteemed host, took me to visit 
old Kenilworth and Warwick castles. But I must 
not linger over these old places of so much interest to 
the student of English history, though every stone 
and beam, and even yon old ivy, with trunk like an 
old forest tree that is covering all the wall with its 
heavy foliage, if endowed with the power of speech 
could no doubt tell startling stories of the times of the 
imperious Elizabeth and the courtier Leister and the 
sad-fated Amy Robsart and the rest not found in grave 
history, or the intoxicating tales of the immortal 
romancer. 

I stood in the old banquet hall of Kenilworth, 
now so sadly deserted and dismantled, and for 
a few moments lingered in memory over the royal 
banquets and banqueters, the intrigues and intriguers. 
I looked off into the garden where the chronicler says 
her majesty met the forlorn Amy, then out onto the 
terrace and looked across the green, quiet meadows 
that in those old days served for the tournaments of 
lords and sir knights, where with manly skill they broke 



200 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the lance in honor and sight of courtly ladies. But 
what is this at my feet? As I live, a bright little star 
nestled down in the grass among a cluster of little 
pink buds. Yes, the first English daisy I ever saw on 
its native soil. I think I felt something like a little girl 
might have who had found a doll with "real hair" and 
eyes that could shut, in the grass. Oh, that bright, 
beautiful daisy ! What a realization of my childish 
dreams, found on old Kenilworth terrace ! 

But now back to the city, and at night I addressed 
a meeting in the Methodist rooms, presided over by 
Miss Eliza Sturge. Miss Sturge was a brilliant little 
Quaker lady. She presided with as much ease and 
grace as if always accustomed to it, yet where the 
humor came in she would laugh out with the hearti- 
ness of a child. 

On Thursday Mr. Richard Cadbury, second son of 
my friend, took me down to Stratford-upon-Avon. 
We visited the quaint old birthplace and childhood 
home of Shakespeare, went up into the low chamber, 
visited the garden, looked down at the Avon running 
by — a very modest little stream to have acquired such 
historic fame. We visited the church, and walked 
across the fields to the home of Ann Hathaway. Re- 
turning to the station, and while waiting for the train, 
Mr. Cadbury gathered up off the common a little root 
with one little star and its delicate pink buds and took 
it home. The next day, having made a copy of it in 
water colors, he presented it to me, accompanied with 
a poem, "To the Daisy." It is hanging here over my 
mantle, a dear reminder of that day's rich treat. 

Upon invitation of Mrs. Hannah Sturge, widow of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 201 

Joseph Sturge, the great philanthropist, I had the 
pleasure of dining with her and her niece, and spend- 
ing a brief season that I still recall with especial 
pleasure. For the school board, women were voters 
under the laws of England, and Miss Sturge told me 
some amusing stories of times when there were ques- 
tions of more than ordinary interest before the voters. 
In some instances carriages would be sent for women, 
who would be driven in state to the polling place, and 
when arrived would be assisted out and escorted up with 
the most profound gallantry. Not much "jostling at 
the polls by rough men." Indeed, no one treated with 
the least discourtesy. What an odds the difference 
makes. A card of the season's greetings during the 
recent holidays (1891) made me very happy by the 
assurance that this eminent lady still tarries in the 
Master's vineyard. 

In the afternoon I met the Birmingham Ladies' 
Temperance Association in their annual meeting, held 
in Masonic Hall. Mr. Gould again presided. I am 
glad to record, as I was told by the friends in Birming- 
ham, that it was not a rare thing for Mr. Gould to thus 
identify himself with religious and philanthropic 
work. He often addressed Sabbath-school assemblies, 
and not unfrequently occupied the pulpit, greatly to 
the edification of his hearers. 

I hope my lady readers, at least, will not charge me 
with letting down the dignity of my story if I tell 
how grateful I felt to Mrs. Gould, not only for taking 
me under her charge, but for her sisterly kindness in 
"looking me over," at my request, and expressing her- 
self entirely satisfied with my dress and appearance. 



202 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

It was natural that, in the position she occupied, the 
appearance of her country women, and the impression 
they made, would be a subject of keenest interest to 
her. 

This afternoon's meeting was one ot peculiar inter- 
est, and was attended by the representative ladies of 
Birmingham. At night, my last meeting for this city 
was held at Friends' Institute, Severn street, with a 
great crowd in attendance. I afterwards received a 
letter from a man saying that meeting was the occasion 
of four of his family signing the pledge, his wife 
being one of the number. 

Now, my work done in Birmingham, the time for 
leave-taking of these new-found, but ever dear friends 
had come. Few and busy had been the days, but the 
memory of them lingers still as the incense of sweet 
flowers. But one regret also stays with me still. I 
learned from Mrs. Sturge that Miss Sarah James, the 
daughter and last remaining member of the family of 
that eminent minister, John Angel James, was a hope- 
less invalid, as she had been nearly all her life, and for 
many years confined to her bed. Airs. Sturge expressed 
the hope that I might be able to call and see her, as she 
knew it would be a source of pleasure to the solitary 
sufferer. And though I much desired to do so, I found it 
utterly impossible, my time being so fully occupied. 
But out of it grew a correspondence with Miss James 
which was to me a source of much happiness. I take 
pleasure in giving here a copy of one of Miss James' 
letters, believing the reader will be deeply interested 
in learning of the wonderful patience and resignation 
of this suffering child of God : 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 203 

My Dear Christian Friend : — I assure you that 
it is not without m.uch sorrow that I think how long 
it is since I received your kind letter and most inter- 
esting book. I quite hoped to have written before the 
year closed, but was prevented by an increase of illness 
which has lasted more or less up to the time I am 
writing, and will, I am afraid, much diminish my 
power of writing.. It is, I assure you, very gratifying 
to be remembered" for the "father's sake," by those who 
have never seen me in the flesh ; and it helps me to 
anticipate the time when in the "many mansions" 
above we may meet the redeemed of all nations, times 
and creeds as the members of one universal family, 
and know no separation. I was thankful to notice, 
from your letter, that a merciful and omnipotent God 
had guided and guarded all your steps, had watched 
over all your "goings out and comings in," and had 
restored you to your own family in peace and comfort. 

I do trust you continue to receive, in your distant 
home, intelligence that will prove you didn't visit 
England in vain, and that the seed you scattered with 
an unsparing hand, watering it with faith and prayer, 
is springing up, bearing a plentiful crop to the glory 
of the Master you love to serve. I am more and more 
convinced that active service is easier than the passive 
mode of serving our Lord. And I find it difficult not 
to murmur that the portion prepared for me is to lie 
rind suffer instead of being up and doing. I should so 
love to help in teaching others, as well as nursing the 
sick and other departments of service in the world's 
wide field. But early the voice came to me, "Your 
strength is to lie and be still." 

I am a longer sufferer than your friend Jennie 
(Jennie Smith), and am far more cut off than she is 
Irom pleasure of every kind, as you will judge when 
I tell you that I have never been in health since April, 
1828, when in my fourteenth year an affection of 
the spine, complicated with internal diseases, came on, 



204 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

and I am now in my sixty-third year. I was not laid 
aside permanently for many years, but I have not stood 
or touched the ground with my feet for fourteen years, 
all which time I have been confined to my bed, and to 
one position, night and day. 

I am lifted out of bed night and morning and 
propped up with pillows for my meals, and that is all 
the change I have. I have not been in my own garden 
for nearly twenty years, nor in the house of God for 
twenty-one or twenty-two years. Every joint in the 
body is the seat of pain, and more or less deformed. 
And from my twelfth year I have been afflicted with 
deafness, which is now much increasing, while from 
weakness and the advance of age my sight is now fail- 
ing. I have not the delight of looking at a lovely pros- 
pect — only a row of houses, of which I know every 
stone. I am spared poverty, but I have solitude. I live 
alone with my two servants, and a great deal of the 
time I am unable to bear much talking or listening. I 
live in the room in which I was born, and on the same 
spot from which my mother went to heaven when I 
was only four and a half years old, and on the same 
spot I hope to die. 

I have thought you might be interested in this 
sketch of my life, from which you will see how I can 
enter into sympathy with Jennie. I spend many weary, 
restless nights with no company but God, the best of 
all. Do not suppose I am dull or unhappy. I am 
graciously helped and comforted, and until the last six 
months the days seemed short for what I had to do 
with my books, work and pen. But I am now de- 
cidedly much weaker, and quite believe I have reached 
the beginning of the end. I think there are many 
valuable lessons to be learned from Jennie's autobi- 
ography, and I hope I am the better for it. I have 
already placed it in the hands of one of my best 
friends. If you see her, give her from me a message 
of Christian love and sympathy. We shall never 



THE CRUSADER IJN GREAT BRITAIN. 205 

meet on earth, but I trust we shall be fellow worship- 
ers in the heavenly Jerusalem. (Since Miss James 
wrote the above, our dear Jennie has, through the 
abounding grace of the Lord, been enabled to "arise 
up and walk," and for years has been proclaiming His 
love and mercy to thousands, and many have, through 
her labors, turned their feet to the testimonies of the 
Lord.) I am reading with intense interest President 
Finney's life. I had the privilege of knowing him 
and his wife when they were in England, and knew 
many of the ministers he mentions. Oh, what an 
Elijah he was, and how we want many more ! 

I saw our dear Mrs. Avery two days ago. She was 
then well, and sends you much love. She is untiring 
in her temperance work. I am sorry I do not see your 
friends, the Cadburys, but I esteem them very dearly. 
I am sure I must have tired you with this long letter. 
My own strength is gone, so craving a constant interest 
in your prayers, believe me yours in much«esteem and 
Christian love, Sarah A. James. 

May the Christian cheerfulness, fortitude, resigna- 
tion and hope breathing through every line of this 
brief sketch of a life of suffering be a benediction to 
whoever may read it. And now I have to record, as 
learned from friends on my recent visit (1891), that 
this patient, suffering saint has joined the triumphant 
throng on the other shore. 

I am debtor to my dear Mrs. Avery for the biog- 
raphy of Rev. J. Angel James, the sainted father of 
my afflicted friend ; also for that of Rev. Charles 
Finney, mentioned by Miss James. And I must add 
that I had other valuable evidence of her generous 
heart. May the dear Lord bless and keep her always. 

From Birmingham my next engagement was at 



206 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

Manchester, but only for one night. I was met by 
Mr. Barker, secretary of the U. K. Alliance, who had 
been so kind as to come down to Liverpool to meet 
me on my arrival in England, but on account of the 
delay of our steamer was obliged to return before we 
got in. This was consequently my first opportunity 
of meeting him. He took me to the house of a very 
kind lady, who, with her daughter, made my stay with 
them a very pleasant memory to recall. But somehow 
the gentleman seemed afflicted with a chronic antago- 
nism. Spite of my best efforts to be amiable, he in- 
sisted upon disputing with me. He did not like my 
country or countrymen ; had a great grievance against 
me about the international copyright laws, or lack of 
them. As I had never had any grievance in that 
direction, smd I could hardly believe he had, it was 
not plain to me why we should dispute over it. If 
the above little episode serves no other purpose, it 
will, at least, serve as an offset or relief to the 
monotony of the previous pages. I am happy to 
record that it is the solitary case in all my travels 
where any word savoring of discourtesy to me, or of 
my country, was uttered. 

My meeting had been arranged for the Friends r 
meeting house, but it seemed that the bills announcing 
"Mother Stewart, the Leader of the Whisky "War.'" 
had given those good, peace-loving people the impres- 
sion that I must be a very belligerent sort of personage. 
At least, for some reason, they recalled the promise of 
the house, and it was found necessary to procure an- 
other hall ; but Mr. Hind Smith, a Friend and Chris- 
tian worker, well known in my own country, presided. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 207 

and his wife, the originator of the British workmen's 
coffee houses, assisted me. Rev. Mr. Mitchell, a 
minister of the Established Church, a most earnest 
advocate of the cause of temperance, also spoke. Our 
meeting was very large and enthusiastic. 

I had been told that a clergyman of Manchester had 
recently returned from a visit to the United States, 
and was giving lectures on his observations in our 
country, He had gone up from New York to Maine, 
and was telling the people that the ''Maine law was a 
failure." (Seems as though we have all heard that.) 
I took occasion to tell my audience that the reverend 
gentleman had proved a good deal more than he in- 
tended to. He had come to my country, partaken of 
our hospitality, and then, in an underhanded manner, 
by his own confession, through signs and nods and 
winks, he had been taken into some back ways and 
dark passages and obtained what he wanted to drink, 
thus breaking our laws to prove that they did not 
prohibit — I should say not a very enviable role for a 
minister of the Gospel to be found playing. I am 
quite sure that, using the same ingenious methods, he 
would have been able to prove that every law on our 
statute books was a failure. 

But farewell to my crotchety copyright friend and 
the law-breaking clergyman and Manchester. I now 
turn my face towards bonnie Scotland. 



CHAPTER XI. 
Glasgow— Brilliant Reception— Extended Reports. 

1LEFT Manchester Saturday morning, April ist, 
Mr. Barker and other kind friends seeing me 
aboard the train for Glasgow. My route lay up 
through Lancashire, Westmoreland and Cumberland, 
skirting the lake region, almost in sight of Ulleswater, 
Windermere and Durwentwater. But I only had the 
poor, tantalizing satisfaction of looking away at the 
blue sky and the fleecy white clouds sailing on lazy 
wings over this, another of my childish hopes, now so 
near, but fast receding forever behind me. I wonder 
— no, I do not believe any one can know what it cost 
me. I can scarcely restrain the tears even as I write. 

Upon arriving at Glasgow I was met and welcomed 
by Mrs. Stewart, president of the Ladies' Prayer 
Union ; Mrs. Walker, who presented me with a beau- 
tiful bouquet of flowers ; Miss W^hite, Mrs. Simpson, 
Mrs. Woika and Miss Bryson. I was taken to Miss 
White's and made at once to feel at home, and among 
warm, sympathizing friends, several of the ladies re- 
maining to tea and kindly giving me valuable informa- 
tion as to the work they were prosecuting, the situation 
and needs. I was glad that the blessed Sabbath came 
next to give me a day of needed rest before taking up 
my work again in this new field. 

The ladies had been urging me for some time to 
hasten my coming, as the season was approaching 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 200, 

when a large number of the influential citizens left 
the city for the summer, and they were very anxious 
that I shoukl open my work before they left. They 
had accordingly made arrangements, on a magnificent 
scale, for a public reception on the evening of Monday, 
the 3d. 

The Queen's Rooms, the finest public assembly rooms 
in the city, were secured, and the*Lord Provost had been 
engaged to preside, but unforeseen business called him 
to Edinburgh. But Mr. William Collins, first Bailie, 
since Lord Provost, and later knighted by the queen, 
and a staunch supporter of the temperance cause, pre- 
sided in the Lord Provost's place. The rooms were 
tastefully draped with white lace, festooned with roses 
and ivy, and decorated with the rarest of flowers in 
pots and vases and the flags of various nations, a mag- 
nificent flag of my country sweeping down at each 
end of the broad platform, bringing tears to the eyes 
of the wanderer. Oh, those " stars and stripes ! " 
How they quickened the pulse and caused the tears to 
start wherever seen on foreign soil ! Over the entrance, 
in brilliant lettering, were the words, " Welcome to 
Mother Stewart." On the long table on the platform 
stood a beautiful ornament in form of an eastern 
pagoda, made of confectionery, and in all the colors 
and brilliance of the rarest gems, on one side of which 
was the motto, "Wine is a mocker;" on the other, 
"Strong drink is raging." 

The entertainment was an invited tea meeting, and 
six hundred of the elite of Glasgow sat down to tea. 
But I prefer that the report of this brilliant demonstra- 
tion by the Ladies' Union, with which it was said 



210 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

royalty might have been flattered, be given by other 
pens than mine. From the various papers of the next 
day, secular as well as temperance, I give the follow- 
ing selections, mainly from the North British daily 
Mail, the Glasgow Herald and League Journal, of 
April 4th, 1876 : 

RECEPTION TO MOTHER STEWART IN GLASGOW. 

A largely-attended social meeting of ladies and gen- 
tlemen interested in the progress of the temperance 
cause was held last night in the upper hall of the 
Queen's Rooms for the purpose of giving to Mrs. E. 
D. Stewart, better known as Mother Stewart, a recep- 
tion worthy of her energetic and successful crusade 
against the liquor traffic in America. The hall, which 
was well filled, was beautifully decorated. The front 
of the gallery was draped with white lace, prettily 
festooned with garlands of flowers, the beautiful effect 
being enhanced by the bright colors of the numerous 
flags which were hung around the hall. Over the 
front of the southern gallery was depended the motto, 
" Welcome, Mother Stewart," and the table on the 
platform was tastefully garnished with flowers. Bailie 
Collins, in the unavoidable absence of the Lord 
Provost, presided, and among the ladies and gentle- 
men on the platform were Rev. Drs. Wallace, Guthrie, 
Grundy ; Rev. Messrs. Gardner, A. Oliver, Welsh, R. 
Wallace, Wm. Ross (Rothesay), George Gladstone, 
R. Craig and W. Ewan ; Bailies Hamilton, Torrens, 
Lamberton and Burt ; Councillor Miller, Provost Dick, 
(Kinning Park) ; Messrs. A. Allen, Akenson, J. Horn, 
W. W. Turnbull, R. Service; Mrs. E. D. Stewart, 
Mrs. Collins, Mrs. A. Stewart, Mrs. Simpson, Miss 
White, Miss Bryson, Mrs. Parker (Dundee), Mrs. 
Hellen Kirk (Edinburgh), Mrs. Fulton and others. 

A blessing having been asked by the Rev. Dr. 
Guthrie, tea was served. Thereafter Bailie Collins 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 211 

said: "I hold in my hand apologies from several 
gentlemen who are unable to be with us to-night. The 
first of these is from the Lord Provost, who says, *I 
regret that as I must be in Edinburgh on the evening 
of April 3d, I cannot be present at the meeting to re- 
ceive Mrs. Stewart.' The other letters are from 
Principal Douglass, Provost Wilson, of Govan, Provost 
Murray, of Paisley, Rev. Drs. Joseph Brown and 
Fergus Ferguson, Bailie Clark, Councillor Mowat, 
Rev. Messrs. Scott, Riddle, Wells, Reith, D. Russell, 
Mrs. Gamble and others." 

Bailie Collins then said : " We are met this evening 
to give a welcome — a Scottish welcome — to a lady 
who has come from the far West to give us an account 
of what has been done in that distant country towards 
breaking the bonds of a slavery more terrible still than 
that other slavery from which, at such terrible cost, 
our cousins freed their country. 

"The name of Mrs. Stewart, and the deeds of that 
noble sisterhood of which she has been the leader, 
have been well known to many of us. Mrs. Stewart 
comes to us accredited not only with letters of com- 
mendation from the leading men who are identified 
with the temperance reformation in the United States, 
but from leading clergymen of various evangelical 
denominations, from judges and from members of 
Congress. Mrs. Stewart has left, for a time, her 
family and country at the call of duty, and in response 
to the impulse of her noble nature, to tell us of the 
great things which work and prayer have accom- 
plished, and to incite her sisters in our country to new 
efforts to rescue our beloved land from the slavery of 
intemperance. I do not know that our welcomed 
visitor is prepared to recommend a course of action 
similar to that followed with such great results in her 
native country. Perhaps she may feel that the same 
mode of procedure would not be suitable either to 
our institutions or the habits of the people ; but I am 



212 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

sure of this, that we stand greatly in need of fresh in- 
spiration, not only to encourage those who are already 
in the field to persevere in their labors, but to enlist 
all who love their countrv and would desire to see it 
freed from what has been graphically called the 
1 Devil's Chain,' into one united army, who are pre- 
pared, both by precept and example, and impelled by 
love to God and their fellow countrymen and country- 
women, not to rest till the hydra-headed monster is 
slain, and their country emancipated and free. 

"Mrs. Stewart's visit to this country has already 
been productive of good results. She has held her 
audience night after night spell-bound by her earnest 
pleadings and natural eloquence ; and although her 
visit to this country is necessarily brief* I feel confident 
it will leave lasting results. I have read with pleasure 
many interesting incidents connected with the women's 
crusade in America, but as I have no doubt we shall 
hear some of these from her own lips I shall not 
further refer to them. I may perhaps be allowed to 
refer to one fact which Mrs. Stewart's modesty may 
prevent her from referring to, namely, that she has, in 
not a few cases, acted as an advocate in pleading 
before juries of her countrymen the wrongs which her 
sisters have sustained at the hands of the rum-sellers, 
and that to a large extent she has been successful in 
her advocacy. 

"We are met this evening, not only tp welcome Mrs. 
Stewart in our capacity of citizens to the second city 
in this kingdom, but she will also be welcomed by the 
representatives of the various temperance organiza- 
tions ; and as there are gentlemen present representing 
these organizations, I shall not further detain you by 
any observations of mine, but will conclude by calling 
on this meeting to extend their heartiest welcome to 
our visitor and guest, or, as she is known over a great 
country, Mother Stewart." 

The chairman then called on Mr. Alexander Allen, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 213 

who read the address of welcome to Mrs. Stewart. It 
was in these terms : 

"AN ADDRESS. 

"Presented to Mrs. E. D. (Mother) Stewart, of Ohio, 

United States of America, in the Queen's Rooms, 

Glasgow, Monday, April 3d, 1876. 

"Madam : — We, on the behalf of the Ladies' Prayer 
Union, and of this meeting, tender to you a cordial 
welcome to Scotland. We proffer this greeting to you 
as a small tribute of the admiration which your cour- 
age, patriotism, eloquence and self-denying devotion 
on behalf of those who were ready to perish have 
excited in our breasts. 

" As the great civil war raged in your country, when 
liberty wrestled with oppression, the citizens of 
America followed your noble career with deepest 
interest and fervent prayers. Their hearts throbbed 
■with profound thankfulness to Almighty God when in 
His loving mercy He raised you up for the succor of 
the sick and wounded that crowded the hospitals 
during the protracted fratricidal struggle that resulted 
in wiping from your beloved land the foul blot of 
slavery. 

" In you we realize the living embodiment of those 
great temperance principles which we cherish with 
the tenderest and most unchangeable affection. 

"In the great crusade against the liquor saloons of 
America, which stirred the hearts of all philanthropists 
in all lands, you took a leader's part, and with bands 
of faithful women, weak, yet strong, timid, yet bold, 
proved to admiring millions the power of prayer to 
sustain the trembling hearts and strengthen the feeble 
knees of God's loving and dutiful daughters, and to 
restrain the pernicious influences of a business opposed 
to the moral and spiritual growth of mankind. 

"We welcome you to Scotland with the warmest 
affection of which our nature is capable. We trust 



211 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

that in your intercourse with her people you will ex- 
perience unalloyed pleasure and satistaction ; that you 
may form many lasting friendships, and that under the 
guidance of our Heavenly Father, who has blessed 
your labors so abundantly hitherto, and in the exercise 
of the gift with which you have been so largely and 
so richly endowed, you may stir the hearts and con- 
sciences of her people to increased zeal and activity 
and enthusiasm in the great temperance enterprise. 

'•Mrs. Geo. Stewart, 

"President Ladies' Prayer Union. 

"Miss Elizabeth Dunlap, Treasurer. 

"Mrs* R. Simpson, Junior Secretary." 

The following gentlemen's names were also ap- 
pended : 

Bailie Collins, Pres't S. T. L., 
Bailie Torrens, Ch. S. P. B. and T. A. 
James Wilkinson, 

Glasgow Abstainer's Union, 
Tas. Hamilton, Pres't S. P. B. and T. A. 
Thos. Dick, Provost of Kinning Park. 
Alexander Allen. 

. Mr. Allen then said : " I feel it to be both an honor 
and a privilege to be the medium of presenting to you 
the address which I have now read. I think it ex- 
presses very fully and very clearly the sentiments of 
all the Scotch people who take an interest in the 
temperance movement. It embodies, too, the views of 
the various societies in and around Glasgow, and, I 
think I may safely add, of every individual present. 

"Reference has been made in the address to the 
fearful bondage of slavery from which America was 
delivered at the close of the recent war. It is now a 
long time since Great Britain wiped out this foul blot 
from her statute book, but our country is still groaning 
under the effects of a self-imposed slavery — the slavery 
of strong drink. Would to God we could see some 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 215 

prospect of this dark and portentous cloud being re- 
moved from our midst ; and yet, though the cloud be 
dark, it is not without its silver lining. We find 
Christian people everywhere getting roused to the 
danger with which we are threatened, and asking, 
'What can be done to mitigate this great evil?' I 
believe the time is not far distant when God in His 
providence will open up some way of deliverance. I 
cannot tell by what means relief will be brought 
about, whether by moral or legal suasion, or by both. 
Our duty clearly is to pray and work on, believing 
that in His own good time and way God will defend 
the right. 

"I trust your visit to Scotland maybe productive of 
much good, and that your eloquent and impressive 
addresses may be the means, not only of stimulating 
those who are already abstainers to be more faithful 
and zealous in their work, but that many who are 
not yet abstainers may be led to join our ranks." 

Provost Dick said : " We have indeed a pleasure 
and a duty to perform this evening, in giving to 
Mother Stewart a hearty Scottish welcome — a wel- 
come to the land of the free — 'the land of mountain, 
heath and shaggy wood.' We have heard and read of 
the noble deeds of Mother Stewart in her native 
country ; how she succored the wounded and dying in 
that terrible war, and how she headed the noble band 
who attacked that fearful traffic which has done, in 
America and every other country, more damage to the 
human race than even the great civil war. She has 
come to inspire us in some degree with the courage 
and devotion to duty which has been manifested on 
the other side of the Atlantic. Let us then receive 
such advice and such stimulus as she shall impart this 
and the other evenings on which she shall address 
multitudes in this city. Let us consider for a moment 
what is her object in coming here. It is to stir us up 
to do our duty as citizens and as Christians with 



2l6 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

regard to that terrible traffic which is desolating our 
land. Let us take counsel as to how best we shall, in 
some measure, cripple this traffic and sweep it away. 
Let us consider who it is that suffers. Is it not tender 
and gentle women, weak and helpless children? Let 
us come to their rescue and make this country what it 
ought to be — 

" ' Great, glorious and free, 
First flower of the earth, 
First gem of the sea.'." 

This motion was agreed to with acclamation, and 
the address, which was inscribed on vellum, was then 
handed to Mother (Mrs. E. D.) Stewart, who, on 
rising to reply, was received with loud and long-con- 
tinued applause and waving of handkerchiefs. She said : 

"Mr. Chairman and Christian Friends : — I am 
entirely at a loss, once in my life, for words, and that 
is a new situation for Mother Stewart. But I can 
assure you that this hearty greeting and those kind 
words have overwhelmed me. For myself, as an 
individual, I thank you ; I thank the citizens of dear 
old Scotland for this welcome to one in whose veins 
runs Scottish blood ; and furthermore, one who claims 
to have married into the royal family. I am most 
happy, without having had an opportunity to trace 
the relationship, to claim kin with my dear sister, your 
honored president of the Ladies' Association. 

"But I have not come to Scotland to talk about my- 
self. I have come with a message irom my Master to 
my sisters of dear old England, Scotland and Ireland. 
I have come to tell you, friends, how we in the far-off 
West have proved our God to be a prayer-hearing and 
a prayer-answering God. And now let me say in the 
beginning, please do not magnify the individual. I 
am very small, very weak ; but God took the weak 
things to confound the mighty. I thank Him that He 
has called me, although so weak and small, into this 
glorious work. A glorious work it has proved to be, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 217 

blessing those that labored as well as those for whom 
they labored." 

But while the audience listened to my address of 
nearly an hour's length, not only with flattering pa- 
tience, but also with great good humor, often inter- 
rupting with applause, and the papers reported it 
entire, I do not deem it essential to reproduce more 
than the above here. 

Addresses were also made by Mrs. M. E. Parker, of 
Dundee, who read a letter from Theodore L. Cuyler, 
introducing me to Mr. Neal McNeal, in which he 
spoke in the kindest terms of " our heroine," as he was 
pleased to call me. His letter, for which I have never 
ceased to feel grateful, was most valuable to me, as 
Dr. Cuyler is greatly loved and esteemed by the people 
of Scotland. 

Mrs. Helen Kirk, W. Vice Templar, who had been 
invited down from Edinburgh ; Rev. Geo. Gladstone, 
W. C. Templar ; Rev. W. Ross, of Rothesay, and 
others aTso made addresses, bringing the greetings of 
their respective organizations. A very fine choir 
added much to the interest of the occasion by their 
superior rendering of several pieces of music. 

And thus was I welcomed so royally by a company 
of the true nobility of earth, into bonnie old Scotland. 
But it seemed that my visit to Glasgow was of suffi- 
cient consequence to attract the attention and excite 
the publicans not a little, as well as the temperance 
friends. And not to be outdone, I suppose, they also 
got out immense posters, half the size of a good large 
tablecloth, after their own fashion, announcing my 
arrival and prospective reception, assigning most re- 



2l8 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

markable parts to the Lord Provost, Bailie Collins and 
Mother Stewart. The temperance friends were very 
much mortified and indignant at the ill-mannered dis- 
courtesy of the publicans. But it was at least an 
evidence that they were sufficiently alarmed for their 
" trade" to feel the need of trying to belittle or weaken 
our influence. But in their attempt, as is generally 
the case, they did themselves the greatest injury. 
Among the various souvenirs and keepsakes that I 
took pleasure in bringing home was one of these very 
startling posters. 

At Glasgow I met Mrs. Parker for the first time 
after my arrival. In our correspondence through the 
winter I had repeatedly urged the ultimate object of 
my visit, the organization of a British Women's Union 
and the election of delegates to our international con- 
vention to be held in Philadelphia in June. But she 
had thought it not advisable to make any move in the 
matter till I should arrive in Scotland, as we could 
better make our arrangements in a personal conference 
than by letter. Now, we at once set about devising 
ways and means by which my object might be carried 
out. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Hopeful Opening of the Work in Scotland— Meeting in Rev* 
Howie's Church — Tea Meeting at Miss White's— Meeting 
in Dr. Kerr's Church— Greenock— Meeting in the Old 
G.^lic Kirk— A Novel Pulpit— Ladies' Conference at Glas- 
gow— Meeting at Bethany Church— Dundee— Mrs. Parker 
at Home— Call for a B. W. T. Conference— Addressed a 
Meeting of Factory Girls— Brilliant Reception in Dun- 
dee—Meeting in Broughty Ferry— Return to Glasgow — 
A Conversazione— Mothers' Meeting — Grand Reception 
Tendered by the Good Templars— Dumbarton. 



M 



Y work was now fairly opened in Scotland, and 
the calls came in, many more than I could 
possibly respond to. The Ladies' Prayer Union, of 
Glasgow, took charge of my work, Mrs. Robert Simp- 
son, Jr., the secretary, making all my engagements for 
me, always sending a committee of one or more of 
their number with me as my escort, and in every way 
looking after my comfort and seeking to make my 
labors successful. All the other organizations heartily 
co-operated with the ladies. And it is with gratitude 
to my Heavenly Father, who gave me favor in their 
eyes, that I record that here in old, exceedingly con- 
servative Scotland many of the most noted ministers 
of the times put their churches at our service and gave 
us invaluable aid by their cordial indorsement and co- 
operation. 

I find myself here, as in my English work, at great 
disadvantage for lack of a journal kept during my 
work, except a very few brief notes, but much assisted 



220 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

by notes of places of meeting, with dates, kindly fur- 
nished by my ever-thoughtful friend Miss White. I 
am also indebted to the various papers that, in Scot- 
land as those in England, gave generous space and 
kindly reports of our meetings. 

By these helps to my memory I find that on Tues- 
day, April 4th, we were invited to Mrs. Mason's to 
lunch ; at three o'clock a drawing-room meeting at 
Mrs. Robert Simpson's, 17 Walmer Crescent; in the 
evening, a public meeting in Rev. Mr. Howie's church, 
Goven, Provost Dick presiding. Mr. Howie, Mrs. 
Parker and Mrs. A. Stewart also spoke ; fifty-six 
signed the pledge, and a prayer meeting was in- 
augurated. 

Wednesday, by the courtesy of Mr. Neal McNeal, I 
had the pleasure of visiting the old cathedral and 
driving through some of the interesting portions of 
this wonderfully interesting old city. At a tea meet- 
ing at Miss White's I met the ladies' committee, and 
n the evening addressed a very large meeting in Dr. 
Kerr's church, Sidney Place. Rev, Mr. McEwan 
presided and addressed the meeting, as did also Mrs. 
A. Stewart and Mrs. Woika. Forty-three took the 
pledge. 

On Thursday, in company with Miss White and 
Miss Bryson, I visited old Greenock, on the Clyde. 
We were entertained by ex-Bailie, since Provost, 
Campbell and his sister, and at three o'clock met a 
ladies' conference. Bailie Campbell presided. I was 
delighted to meet here Mrs. Young, now of Gowock, 
but formerly of Pittsburgh, and a crusader. She and 
Miss White addressed the meeting, to the great satis- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 221 

faction of the hearers. Twelve ladies took the pledge. 
And this pledge-taking to them meant more than 
many in our country, especially Christian ladies* 
would suppose. It meant the giving up of the 
custom of a lifetime of taking wine or beer with their 
meals, as well as the very common use of wine or 
other stimulants as a medicine, whether by prescrip- 
tion of their physician or from the universal notion 
that alcoholic stimulants were a remedy for about all 
the ailments that flesh is heir to. 

In the evening we met a crowded house in the old, 
quaint, Gaslic church, Bailie Campbell in the chair- 
The meeting was a reception tendered by a union of 
all the temperance organizations. A very beautifully 
illuminated address of welcome, filled with such tender 
words of endorsement, cheer and encouragement, was 
read and presented by Councillor Lang. In present- 
ing the address Mr. Lang mentioned a fact of great 
interest to the temperance people. He said the 
publicans had recently held their annual festival, and 
during the afternoon and while their festival was in 
progress the liquor shops were closed. The result of 
this closing of the public houses was that next morning 
no police court was held. While the publicans were 
boasting of what a great benefit they were to the 
country, they had actually proven that if their shops 
were closed forever it would be the greatest benefit 
that could be bestowed on the city. 

Commissioner McGlashan, on behalf of the Good 
Templars, supported the presentation of the address. 
Dr. Boyd, a Wesleyan minister, Miss White and Miss 
Bryson also spoke. But my turn coming to respond 



222 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

to all these words of kind greeting and welcome, a 
perplexing dilemma presented itself. While we had 
been generously granted the use of that venerable 
old Gaelic sanctuary for a temperance meeting, and 
even for a lady speaker — a stretch of generosity or 
courtesy quite beyond my most sanguine expectations 
— yet there had to be a limit. To let her occupy the 
pulpit was not to be thought of. A line must be 
drawn somewhere, and they drew it at the pulpit. 
That sacred place had never been occupied but by 
holy manhood. It was not to be expected at this late 
day of its hoary sanctity that it should be desecrated 
by unholy womanhood. It was all right ; we had no 
disposition to demur or to shock their time-honored 
prejudices. Again comes my friend Dr. A.'s taunt : 
"Served you right ; you had no business to be a 
woman." 

And just this moment an impertinent query thrusts 
itself forward. What if I had been endowed with 
the gift of the other sex? Would probably have been 
shot on some southern battle field, or more probably 
long since have laid the mortal part down on some 
torrid mission field. Said my friend Prof. H. : "God 
did you a degree of injustice in that He did not give 
you the other sex. The world needs such men every 
day." But my dear Miss B. responds: "Xo; God 
made no mistake. The world needs just such women 
every day." And the subject saith, "Amen I He doeth 
all things well." It is an occasion of ceaseless thanks- 
giving that He hath sent me forward as one of His 
corps of sappers and miners to help open up and 
macadamize a highway through the bocrs and fens and 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 223 

over the rough stones of ignorance, bigotry and preju- 
dice, for the great army of Christian soldiers that are 
to-day crowding on in the rear, five hundred thousand 
strong. And it is a source of gladness, too, to know 
that their feet will bleed the less for the thorns that 
have pierced mine. 

But here I have left the patient friends all this time 
in a quandary as to how to dispose of the speaker to 
the satisfaction of the audience. She belongs to 
Zacheus' tribe, and the people are all eagerness to see 
this anomalous woman who has come from over the 
seas to preach this new gospel of temperance to them. 

The gallery is full, as well as the lower sitting, but 
there is a high wainscoting running around in the 
front that will entirely cut off the view if I stand on 
the floor, "and I want to look into the faces of my 
auditors. There was a square table standing below 
the pulpit, and as a last resort I asked the gentlemen 
to help me onto that, which they did, and I preached to 
them from the table — a new addition to my many im- 
provised pulpits. The arrangement seemed to be 
quite satisfactory to the audience, and we had a good 
meeting. A few signed the pledge. 

The next morning Mr. Campbell gave us a delight- 
ful drive on the esplanade, along the banks of the 
Clyde. And by the urgent request of a photographer, 
we stopped at his gallery and were "taken." These 
frequent requests for sitting were quite a tax upon me, 
for my time was so fully occupied and I was all the 
time so weary. But how could I refuse when the very 
affable Scotchman declared that he could not feel more 
flattered by such a favor from the queen. Of course, 



224 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

after that we were docile, and the artist did a very 
good piece of work. 

But the most interesting visit was to the tomb of 
Highland Mary, in the old Kirk cemetery, whom the 
Ayrshire bard has immortalized by his poetic genius. 

Returning to Glasgow, I, at three o'clock, met and 
addressed a very large ladies' conference in the Corpo- 
ration Galleries, Mrs. Stewart presiding. Again the 
difficulty of being seen by that crowded assembly pre- 
sented itself, but was in a measure obviated by my 
mounting a chair. This did not give much scope for 
movement, and compelled a degree of watchfulness to 
maintain my equilibrium. A lady reported this meet- 
ing to the press, and in her vivacious report asked the 
very grave question if Mother Stewart had washed all 
the soiled linen at home before she left for their shores. 
At a subsequent meeting I answered by saying no, I 
had not, all ; but I left the girls washing. It was a 
little funny to notice the audience ; for a moment they 
seemed quite puzzled to find the point, but it was only 
a moment till they let me know they had found it. 
Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Woika also addressed the 
conference. 

At six we attended a tea meeting at Mrs. Fuller's, 
and at eight a large public meeting at Bethany church, 
Bernard street. Rev. Mr. Mathirson presided. Mrs. 
A. Stewart, Mrs. Woika and Miss White assisted, 
with well chosen, tender, persuasive words. It was a 
most solemn meeting. When I made the call for 
signers, the minister stepped forward and said, " Come, 
my people, I will sign with you ; we will sign to- 
gether." One hundred and twenty-four came forward. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 225 

It was a touching sight, and to me deeply impressive, 
as I, in accord with their custom, administered the 
pledge with uplifted hand, while the minister and the 
123 members of his charge responded, repeating the 
pledge in concert. Among the number was James 
Stewart, who under the great bereavement of his wife 
and other members of his family had sought oblivion 
in the drink almost to the verge of his own destruc- 
tion. I noticed him as he came forward, so under the 
influence of liquor that I said to myself, " That man 
certainly cannot keep his pledge ; I fear he hardly 
knows what he is doing." The meeting was closed 
up by forming a prayer union for the congregation 
meeting there, and the next meeting was appointed 
for a week from that night. 

When the appointed evening for the next meeting 
came around, Mrs. Stewart was in attendance, having 
taken with her Mrs. Boardman, of America, who, 
with her husband, was spending some time in Glasgow 
in evangelistic work. And our friend James was also 
on hand, and so changed in countenance as well as 
apparel — new garments, with clean, white shirt-front 
and nice neck-tie — that Mrs. Stewart scarcely knew 
him. Accosting him in her hearty, Scotch fashion, 
she exclaimed: "Why, James, is it you?" "Yes> 
madam," he answered, "it is." "Why," said she, 
ki you have become such a swell I hardly knew you." 
He said he had not been so happy in the two years 
since his wife died. 

Mrs. Boardman addressed the meeting, and in such 
persuasive eloquence presented Jesus as the sinner's 
friend, who was ready, able and willing to save to the 



226 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

uttermost all who came to Him, that our James ac- 
cepted Him as his Savior, and testified that Jesus had 
saved him from the Satan of strong drink that had 
bound him so long. Thus was he standing steadfast 
when I left Scotland. Oh, that all thus bound would 
flee as James did, to Him who will deliver and keep 
all who, in sincerity, cry unto Him. At this meeting 
forty additional names were given to the pledge. 

As per arrangement with sister Parker, on the 8th 
of April, I went to Dundee, that we might perfect 
our plans and prepare and send out our call for a 
national convention of the Christian women of Great 
Britain for conference, and, if possible, to form a na- 
tional organization on a plan similar to that in my own 
country, and which would, by co-operating with us, aid 
in calling the attention of the churches of the Christian 
world to the fearful destruction of souls through the liq- 
uor scourge, and peradventure enlist them in our cause. 

I was met at Pearth by brother Steel, whom sister 
Parker had sent to escort me to Dundee, where I found 
her in waiting to take me to her home, the Cliff. As 
it was through Mrs. M. E. Parker's invitation and 
efforts, mainly, that such a wide and hospitable door 
was opened for me to visit that country, and to enter 
upon the blessed and glorious work I am in these 
pages seeking to chronicle, I feel sure my readers will 
desire to know more of her than I have as yet written. 
I therefore copy an extract of a letter written to the 
Vindicator and Good Templar, of Lancaster, Pa., 
after my return : 

Mrs. Parker came to this country (returning with 
me) very modestly saying that her object was to learn of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 227 

our workers the best methods of advancing the interests 
of the temperance cause. But certainly in devotion, 
earnestness and zeal, she has no need to come to us for 
counsel or example. It was my privilege to be 
associated with her in my recent work in Scotland ; 
indeed, it was she who invited me to that country, and 
I am most happy to testify to her untiring labors, her 
personal and pecuniary sacrifice in behalf of the 
temperance cause. A lady of refinement, culture and 
position, with a husband and children and home of 
which any woman might be proud, yet her devotion 
to the cause of temperance, to the cause of humanity, 
impels her to forego these for the hope of rescuing 
some poor souls from the drink curse. 

On my memory is forever impressed the recollection 
of rny visit to sister Parker's beautiful home, the Cliff, 
near Dundee. It was in the early spring time, and as 
we drove, up the avenue, dark with overspreading 
evergreens and rare exotic trees, the fragrance of the 
early blossoms was wafted on the air. Emerging 
from the avenue into the lawn, the stars and stripes 
fioating from the turrets met my view, and as, every- 
where, caused the tears to spring to my eyes. Over 
the entrance, in large letters, was "Welcome to 
Mother Stewart." Within were still preserved the 
wreaths and mottoes of greeting that had been prepared 
for my reception, as sister P. had hoped I would come 
to her at the Christmas holidays. On reaching my 
chamber I found it laden with the fragrance of sweet 
violets, and everything that a warm, generous heart 
could suggest, to add to my comfort or cause the 
stranger to forget she was such, was mine. 

One of the most beautiful spots of that dear old 
land of beauty is the Cliff, looking off upon the 
German ocean and old St. Andrews of classic memory. 
With all my friend's labors for the public, her house, 
for taste, order, neatness and comfort, is a model even 
for a New England housewife. 



228 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Alas, alas for the mutations of time ! The above 

was written fourteen years ago. To-day all is changed. 

It was not long till the conqueror of all, with stealthy 

tread, invaded that household and beckoned away one 

of the sons, a noble youth with his feet just on the 

threshold of manhood. Once again, and this time 

calling for the husband and father. What a devoted 

husband and father was Edward Parker ! He almost 

worshiped his gifted wife, and of course took a lively 

interest and co-operated, as far as possible, with her 

in her benevolent work. Sister Parker, with hei 

daughter, has made a home in our country on the 

Pacific coast, and the Cliff is occupied by strangers. 

But while the strangers' feet pass over the sill and 

resound in the halls, I know she is with T. B. Reed 

saying : 

" Tread lightly, for I love it still." 

I think I must give in this place a couple of 
anecdotes, characteristic of this worthy couple, told 
me by sister Parker. The first time that Mr. Parker 
offered his arm to escort her who was to be his future 
companion in life's journey he held a cigar between 
his lips. She very quietly declined his services, saying 
she never walked with a gentleman who smoked. He 
took the cigar from his mouth and dropped it at the 
root of a tree, and again proffered his arm She took 
it, and henceforth they walked together down the vale 
till death severed them. 

When John B. Gough made his first visit to thai 
country, Mr. and Mrs. Parker were among the first tc 
sign the pledge for him. And going home they at 
once proceeded to have a little home-made crusade 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 229 

They brought forth their wine decanters and goblets, 
emptied the wine into the sink and smashed bottles 
and glasses. They did not propose to have any half- 
way measures in their teetotalism. It had not occurred 
to them that the goblets might serve any other purpose. 
Here in this hospitable retreat, resting up for a day, 
we took the time for discussing the subject of my 
cherished hope, and after due deliberation we decided 
to avail ourselves of the meeting of the English Grand 
Lodge of Good Templars, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 
on the 21st of April, to call our conference for that 
time and place, knowing that many active and in- 
telligent ladies were connected with the order and 
would probably be in attendance upon the lodge. We 
accordingly issued the following circular : 

The Cliff, Dundee, April 10, 1876. 

FIRST BRITISH WOMEN'S TEMPERANCE CONFERENCE. 

Madam : — At the earnest request of the Women's 
National Christian Temperance Union of America, 
conveyed to us by Mrs. Anna Wittenmyer, its esteemed 
president, and Miss Frances E. Willard, correspond- 
ing secretary, and others, we hereby convene a meeting 
of women connected with the various temperance 
organizations in the United Kingdom to be held on 
Friday, the 21st inst., in the Central Hall, Newcastle- 
upon-Tyne, at 10 o'clock, to consider a cordial invita- 
tion to the women of England, Scotland and Ireland 
to be present, personally or by delegation, at the first 
International Women's Temperance Convention the 
world has ever known, which is fixed to take place at 
Philadelphia, United States, on the 10th of June. 

We trust that the women of Great Britain and 
Ireland will as cordially co-operate as they do heartily 
sympathize with the glorious work done by their noble 
American sisters, and that the forthcoming convention 



23O THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

will be memorable for numbers, influence and results. 
A number of ladies have already intimated their 
cordial approval of the proposal to hold this meeting 
at Newcastle, and some of them have signified their 
willingness to act as delegates, if appointed, and the 
prospects of a successful meeting are assured. 

The wrongs that women suffer through the effects 
of the liquor traffic on their hearts and homes are so 
many and grievous that every Christian woman in the 
land should rise in the might and influence that God 
has given her, and in His strength do all in her power 
to sweep this scourge from the land. 

On behalf of the women of the United States, 

Mrs. E. D. (Mother) Stewart. 

On behalf of the women of the United Kingdom, 
Mrs. Margaret E. Parker. 

A large number of these circulars were posted at 
once, sending to all parts of the kingdom. 

On Sabbath evening, April 9th, I addressed a large 
meeting of young women engaged in the various 
factories in Dundee, among whom Mrs. Steel, a de- 
voted Christian worker, was laboring. Many others, 
however, both men and women, were also present. 

On Monday evening, 10th, a reception was tendered 
me by the various temperance organizations of 
Dundee, in Kinaird Hall — a brilliant affair. Among 
the various flags and decorations was a magnificent 
flag of my country which the dear friends had ordered 
up from London for the occasion. A very beautiful 
bouquet was graciously sent me by Lord Kinaird, from 
his conservatory. Again am I reminded of the 
changes that are wrought by the fleeting years. This 
nobleman — not merely in title, but all that the word 
is meant to convey — has passed away. 



THE CRUSADER UN GREAT BRITAIN. 23I 

Councillor Moncour presided at this meeting, and 
among a very long list of notables, ladies and gentle- 
men, named in the report before me, is the United 
States Consul for Dundee, Mr. McDougal, who 
showed me very great kindness. From the Dundee 
paper of April nth I copy a brief extract of a very 
lengthy report of this meeting : 

After tea the chairman said the object of the meet- 
ing was to welcome Mother Stewart, a lady whose 
lame had preceded her, and who was well entitled to 
a hearty reception. There were many reasons why 
she should have such a reception. One was she was a 
lady. It had been said that the true sphere of a 
woman was home, and not the platform. That was to 
a certain extent true, but if the other sex were remiss 
in their duty, if they were unable to cope with the 
evils that" afflict humanity, it was not wonderful that 
the ladies should occasionally come to the rescue and 
leave the privacy of home for the platform. 

Instead of frowning upon such glorious women as 
Miss Robison, Miss Daniels and Mother Stewart, 
they ought to encourage and strengthen them in their 
work. But they would give her a hearty welcome 
because she was an American. She was not only an 
American, but she was a Stewart, and who ever heard 
of a Stewart who did not come out of Scotland? She 
claimed to be descended from the royal Stewarts, 
although she had not come over the water from the 
Pretender clan for the purpose of exciting rebellion, 
but to fight along with them the greatest rebel that 
ever cursed a country — strong drink. Mrs. Stewart 
was a true patriot and Christian philanthropist, and 
consequently a temperance reformer. The chairman 
concluded by calling upon Mr. Rough to present Mrs. 
Stewart with the address which had been prepared. 

Mr. George Rough then proceeded to read the ad- 



27,2 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

dress. Presented to Mrs. E. D. (Mother) Stewart, of 
America, in the Kinaird Hall, Dundee, at a grand 
reception soiree held there on Monday, April 10th, 
1876, ex-Bailie Moncour in the chair. 

This address was signed by the several officers of 
the various temperance organizations of the city — the 
Dundee Women's Prayer Union, the Dundee Temper- 
ance Society, the Independent Order of Good Tem- 
plars, the IndependenfOrder of Rechabites, the Inde- 
pendent Templars, the Juvenile Templars. 

It is a noteworthy fact that in April, 1874, while 
we in our country were in the midst of our crusade 
work, the ladies of Dundee, led by Mrs. Parker and 
others, were doing what they could to arrest the 
abomination in their city. They circulated petitions 
and obtained the names of 9,000 ladies thereto ; then, 
with a committee of seventy ladies, waited on the 
Provost and magistrates of the town and presented the 
petition, praying those honorable guardians of the city 
to reduce the number of houses licensed for the sale of 
intoxicating drinks. This was the first city in Scot- 
land where such a move was inaugurated. To the 
credit of those worthies the petition was granted, 
much to the advantage of the city. And so would it 
be everywhere if women's prayers were heard and 
heeded, and they most assuredly would be if they 
could be backed up by their votes. 

At this very elegant and enjoyable tea, I came very 
near a most embarrassing catastrophe. Possibly I 
have already mentioned the fact that I am a very in- 
different tea drinker, and as yet, though I had gained 
upon it a little, it was all I could do to dispose of one 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 233 

cup of their universal black tea. (I freely admit that 
they have the best of us between the black and the 
green. But the use makes to each a luxury what to 
the other is hardly tolerable). I had bravely disposed 
of one dainty cup, when a young gentleman hastened 
to replenish my cup, and before I could speak he was 
pouring the tea into my lap, on my new ashes-of-roses 
silk dress just made for the occasion. It was within 
a very few minutes of my taking the platform before 
that large audience. A sad predicament ; but a lady 
came to my rescue. Handing me a large pocket hand- 
kerchief, I dipped it in water and thoroughly sponged 
the apron off ; then with a dry handkerchief I care- 
fully rubbed it till it was dry, and by the time I had to 
speak there was no trace of the mishap visible, and only 
the ladies in my immediate vicinity seemed to have 
observed it. 

On Tuesday afternoon I met and addressed the 
Ladies' Prayer Union. Mrs. Ingles, the president, 
presided. And at night I addressed a large public 
meeting in Good Templars' Hall, Broughty Ferry. 
Mr. Peter Matthews occupied the chair. At the close 
of the meeting a number of ladies and gentlemen 
signed the pledge. 

Wednesday, the 12th, I returned to Glasgow. Mrs. 
Parker accompanied me. Before I left, Sir William 
and Lady Collins invited me, upon my return, to 
spend some time with them, and upon my arrival I 
found Lady Collins awaiting me. In this elegant, 
Christian home I received such hospitality as to make 
me for the time forget to be homesick — forget that I 
was a stranger. They had also invited a number of 



234 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the influential ladies and gentlemen interested in the 
temperance work to meet me that evening in a conver- 
sazione, not only that I might make their acquaintance, 
but that in a social way they could learn more of our 
work in my country, and of our methods of prosecut- 
ing it, and that I might get a better understanding of 
the situation and needs in theirs. I recall Mr. Alex- 
ander Allen, Sir William Collins, Mr«*. Parker, Miss 
White and Rev. Guthrie as participating. 

Thursday, April 13th, at 11 o'clock, I addressed a 
mothers' meeting in Ewing Place church. Mrs. 
Stewart presided. There was a good audience of 
ladies, and much interest manifested. Indeed, it was 
a very solemn occasion, and I felt, as I tried to press 
home the great responsibility of the mother in the 
early care of her child, and especially in regard to the 
almost universal practice of administering alcoholic 
medicines, that they were awaking to the importance 
of the subject. Eight ladies signed the pledge. 

On this evening the Good Templars tendered me a 
grand reception in the City Hall. But by an earnest 
invitation from the Juvenile Templars I was first taken 
by Sir William Collins to their tea meeting, where I 
witnessed six hundred of the lads and lassies of bonnie 
old Scotland all seated at tables and taking their tea 
in the height of good humor. A hopeful sight was it, 
especially when you knew that bright, happy set of 
boys and girls were pledged for life against everything 
stronger. I gave them a short address, which they 
seemed to "catch onto" and cheered in lively fashion. 
My happiest meetings always have been with the dear 
boys and girls. Oh, that our children may be guarded, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 235 

educated and trained so that as we shall lay down 
the implements of our warfare they may take them 
up and fight this great battle to a glorious victory ! 

For a report of that wonderful reception tendered by 
my Good Templar brothers and sisters, I turn to the 
Scottish League Journal, dated Glasgow, April 22d : 

MOTHER STEWART IN CITY HALL. 

Presentation of an address from Good Templars on 

Thursday evening, 13th inst. 

A great demonstration, or what the promoters called 
a "Good Templars' Rally," was held in the City Hall 
on the occasion of welcoming Mother Stewart, of 
Ohio Grand Lodge. The hall was crowded to excess, 
and it was found requisite to open a second meeting 
in the saloon, which the speakers at the large gather- 
ing also attended. The hall was gorgeously decorated 
with banners of various lodges, among others being 
"Scotland's Pride," "Burning Light," "Rescue," 
"Golden Rule," "Star of Peace" and "Pride of Clyde." 
(The whole gallery, indeed, was draped with banners 
and flags.) 

The platform was occupied by a large number of 
ladies and gentlemen, the most of whom were richly 
adorned in the regalia of the distinguished offices they 
held in the order of Good Templary. Brother Rev. 
George Gladstone, G. W. C. Templar, presided, and 
on the platform were also Mother Stewart, Mrs. 
Parker, of Dundee, Mrs. Kirk, of Edinburgh, Bailie 
Collins, Rev. John Kay, Coatbridge, and many other 
ladies and gentlemen. 

It was an immense gathering, estimated to be be- 
tween four and five thousand. It was quite apparent 
that the publicans, in person or by some of their 
patrons sent for the purpose, desired to create a dis- 
turbance — a solitary instance of the kind in my ex- 



236 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

perience. A very plausible explanation, however, in 
part, might be the densely packed condition of the 
hall. When the chairman had in a measure com- 
manded quiet, he opened the meeting in a brief but 
live speech, and called on grand worthy secretary 
brother Wm. Turnbull, who read an "Address of 
Welcome," a beautifully illuminated and lettered 
instrument that I prize as among my dearest treasures, 
and have it hung where my eyes o ten rest upon it 
as memory turns back to those days of labor, but also 
of intense happiness because of the blessed work 
and the cordial indorsement and co-operation of the 
live workers and advocates of total abstinence. 

It would hardly be admissible to quote the report 
of this meeting in full, much as I would like to give 
the kind words of welcome and cheer to the stranger, 
and the eloquent appeals in behalf of our cause. I 
cannot forbear, however, to quote a few sentences 
from the speech of Rev. Fergus Ferguson, D. D., who 
is well known as a divine of much ability, as well as a 
devoted temperance advocate, on our side of the ocean- 

Saith he, Mother Stewart was their queen of hearts 
and the empress of liquordom. The oM song said, 
" King of the Highland hearts, bonnie Prince Charlie." 
If Mother Stewart had still been in the hall he would 
have turned to her and said, "Queen of the templar 
hearts, brave Mother Stewart." 

He saw the other day a bill issued by the publicans 
making fool of last week's meeting and of Bailies 
Collins and Torrens. They called Bailie Collins a 
"knight ot the brush." He wished the publicans' 
trade was as respectable ; in fact, the painter never 
was disreputable except when painting a public house. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 237 

He said to himself as he looked at that bill that he 
wished they would allow him to help them to make up 
one for their soiree. He would put Councillor Martin 
in the chair, and as they said that Bailie Collins should 
sing "Jamie Martin, oh," he would say that Mr. Martin 
should sing "Docherty's awa," the lament of the poor 
lad at the last execution in Glasgow. And then he 
would bring in Miss Ida Robertson to sing the 
"Drunkard's Raggit Wean." He would also ask 
Councillor Steel to give a pathetic address on the two 
men who died after their overdose of drink last 
Saturday night. And then he would bring in Mr. 
MacWilliam, the chairman of the publican associa- 
tion, to read a paper upon the "Dangers of Dumbar- 
ton ; or a full account of the last execution." And he 
would close it with a dark seance of ardent spirits, or 
hell's wonders worse than Heller's. 

Other speakers were Rev. John Kay, Robt. Simp- 
son, Sr., Ex. R. W. G. C. ; Rev. Jas. Maclean, Jas. 
Downie, Mrs. Helen Kirk, G. Vice Templar ; Mrs. M« 
E. Parker, formerly G. Vice Templar ; Thos. F. Mann. 

After I had responded to the various addresses of 
welcome and delivered rn address to the audience, I 
was taken to the overflow meeting, where I again 
spoke, making four meetings addressed on this mem- 
orable day. 

Friday, 14th, I addressed a most interesting ladies' 
meeting in Rev. Joseph Brown's church, Dr. Brown 
presiding. I am fain to believe from the deep interest 
manifested that the results of that seed sowing have 
been seen in not a few homes. Some of the ladies 
signed the pledge. 

After this meeting, in company with Mrs. Parker, I 
set out for Dumbarton, around which, with its castle on 



238 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

the rock island in the Clyde, history and romance had 
woven a peculiar charm for me. But I was obliged to 
content myself with a view of the ruins of the castle, 
as it sits perched on the rocky summit, from a dis- 
tance. I had not the time to visit it. We were 
entertained by Miss McColm. In turning to the 
Scottish League yournal, to refresh my memory, I 
rind the following report : 

On Friday night, 14th inst., Mother Stewart visited 
this town and was accorded a most enthusiastic recep- 
tion. A public meeting was held in the Free North 
church (Rev. Mr. Gunn's), which was rilled by an 
enthusiastic audience. Bailie Buchanan occupied the 
chair, and was accompanied to the platform by Mrs. 
Parker, of Dundee, and Miss Cook, of Dumbarton ; 
Bailie Kennedy, Councillor Douglass, Rev. Mr. 
McBain, parish minister, Dalreoch, Rev. Mr. Bacon, 
Wesleyan minister, Messrs. A. Brown, J. McNidder, 
etc. The Rev. Mr. McBain, in a very appropriate 
speech, gave Mother Stewart a formal welcome to 
Dumbarton, and Mrs. Parker also delivered a short 
address. 

Mother Stewart, upon arising to address the meeting, 
received a most cordial greeting, the audience standing 
on their feet and cheering loudly. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

A Day on -Loch Lomond — Visit to a Drinking Palace— Visit 
the Police Station — Sunday Breakfast in the Drill Hall 
—An Overwhelming Scene— At the Police Court— Ladies' 
Conference— Farewell at Cowcaddens Free Church — 
Incident. 

SATURDAY, April 15th — a day of sweet memo- 
ries. Not having any work for the day, a party 
of friends from Glasgow joined us, and we spent the 
day in a sail up Loch Lomond. The day was beau- 
tiful, the sun shone its brightest and the sky put on its 
bluest. The winds ruffled the wavelets on the lake's 
bosom and swayed the branches of the trees and 
shrubbery on the shores of the little islands. And I 
noticed bright daffodils — descendants of those planted 
by hands in the long ago when these islets were occu- 
pied by stately mansions — bending over and gaily 
nodding their merry salutations as we passed. To our 
right, as we ascended, old Ben Lomond rose high 
above, it took but little imagination to believe, in con- 
scious grandeur. Beautiful country seats adorned the 
shores of the lake, and the leaping, laughing cascade 
of Inversnaid came rollicking down the mountain side 
and leaped into the lake, all lor our amusement. Then 
that happy company of dear friends on the little copy 
steamer that puffed and paddled along as if it, too, was 
trying to add its share to the general enjoyment, and 
only made all that puffing and sputtering for fun ! 
Each and all contributed to make this a day of sweet 



24O THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

memories, set apart in life's calendar, and to turn to 
when weary and the skies are overcast with clouds of 
sorrow or care. 

We were duly informed that the Empress Eugenie 
once sailed up the lake on this identical steamer, and a 
magnificent Sevres vase, occupying a place of honor, 
was pointed out as being a present from the empress, 
in memory of the occasion. From the banks I brought 
away a little primrose and nursed it with tenderest 
care, but, like all beautiful things of earth upon which 
I have placed my heart, it faded away all too soon, 
spite of my loving watchfulness. My friends bought 
from the table of souvenirs a book of photographs of 
the Trosachs, Loch Lomond, etc., and inscribed it : 

To dear Mother Stewart, in memory of her visit to 
Loch Lomond, April 15th, 1S76. 

Adelaide Stewart, Agnes A. Brysox, 

Mary White, Maggie Scott Nairn, 

Maggie Ure McAuslan, Robt. Simpson, Sen. 
John McKidder, W. L. Moodbun. 

"Robbie" — the name it came so natural for me to 
give Robert Simpson, Jr., because of his wit and 
pranks, and withal, kindly tender care of me, as if he 
had been my very own son. 

Now, again, I pause in deepest sadness to record 
that, as the intervening years have rolled away, of that 
happy company death has claimed that grand, brave 
soldier, Robert Simpson, Sr., my co-laborer whom I 
had learned to esteem as an own brother — deepest 
sadness, because I feel that I have suffered loss, 
because the world has suffered loss, a loss it can 
ill afford, because the need is so great for such 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 24I 

devoted, incessant toilers in the Master's vineyard, 
and because there are so few, so few to fill his place. 
No, not sadness for him, but a pean of gladness, for he 
hath been called to an abundant and glorious entrance 
into his heavenly mansion, only laying off the armor 
as he heard the call to come up higher. He is the 
richer, though the world is the poorer. 

Returning, we stopped to tea with Mrs. Nairn, at 
her beautiful home at the foot of the lake. How full 
is this old land of places of historic interest and 
legends of heroic deeds, and how did I wish I could 
gratify my long cherished desire to visit them ! How 
they had furnished the warp and woof of my childhood's 
dreaming, and how had hope whispered, " Some day 
some day ! " Here I was, in sight of, in reach of. But 
no, I had not come on my own pleasure seeking, but 
on the King's business / I could not turn aside or delay 
my message, for on it depended the weal or woe of 
immortal souls. I was very thankful, however, for 
the few rare treats, such as was afforded on this beau- 
tiful April day. And that sweet, illusive promise, 
" some day, some day," has gone on whispering in my 
ear through all the years since. But lo ! the gloaming 
of the eventide is settling down upon me. Three 
score and ten come Easter day (and at this copying I 
find I must write plus four). The infirmities of age 
tantalize me, and now begin to whisper, "Never more, 
never more ! " 

On this evening I addressed another meeting at 
Glasgow, but cannot recall anything connected with 
it except that after meeting, by previous arrangement 
with the proprietor, Mr. Simpson drove me to visit 



242 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

one of the magnificent palaces. It was eleven o'clock 
when we entered, and the house was still ablaze with 
light, and the counters thronged by drinkers. A very 
large proportion, I noticed, were well dressed, rather 
intelligent looking young men, who, seeing a lady 
enter (I do not know whether they recognized who it 
was or not), very respectfully raised their hats. What 
a grand place for a crusade meeting, I thought, and 
wished I could have had a band of my crusade sisters 
with me, for I knew that if the sweet voices that I 
had heard in the saloons in my own State could there 
have sung, "All hail the power of Jesus' name," every 
hat would have been removed. And if prayer, such 
as I had heard in many a saloon, could there have 
been offered, many a cheek would have been wet with 
unbidden tears. Only men were drinking. They are 
very particular, these high-toned publicans, and do not 
permit women to remain after eleven. Men may 
linger till twelve. The line of respectability must be 
drawn somewhere, and so these very clever publicans 
draw it at women and eleven o'clock. Very com- 
mendable, certainly. 

I had some conversation with the proprietor, and 
ventured to ask him how much he realized per day 
from his business. "Oh, no," said he, laughing, "I 
don't answer that question " A waiter w T as sent to 
show us through the house, and as we passed along 
Mr. Simpson told him the lady he was escorting was 
Mother Stewart. He turned to me at once saying, 
"Ah, yes ; I am here, but -not here" laying his hand 
on his heart. I took it that he meant to convey to me 
that, although he was there for what the service 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 243 

brought him, his heart and judgment did not indorse 
the business. 

Leaving this place where drunkards were manufac- 
tured in such genteel fashion, and all according to 
law, we drove away to the police station, reaching 
that place about midnight, and when the police were 
gathering up and bringing home the results of the 
day's work of those man and woman traps, for a fair 
proportion of those brought in were women, some 
young, others old and brutalized with their debauchery. 
One, I noticed, it took two or three policemen to 
handle and get into her place, she, in her maudlin 
drunkenness, making merry over the affair, and the 
men, apparently little more than mere boys, making a 
ghastly, sickening joke of it. 

We were taken along the corridors, the turnkey 
throwing open the cell doors as we passed. Here lay 
an old man, there one or more middle aged ; next a 
young fellow lay stretched out, snoring off his spree. 
Now we came to a young woman, sitting on the floor 
crying and wringing her hands and begging piteously 
to be allowed to go. She is evidently not yet so low 
in the scale of abandonment as the others. I suppose, 
like many of her class and calling, after the day's 
service was ended she had gone to the public house to 
meet her associates and while away the evening with 
gossip and drink ; but overreaching her limit of 
amount, was taken relentlessly in hand by the police. 
Here she was, with what little self-respect and shame 
she had left, and the terror of probably losing her 
place added, a subject of pity, but all according to law. 

But here in our gruesome march we come to another 



244 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

door which the civil turnkey throws open, and there 
on a raised platform, some six or eight inches above 
the floor, lay three women, one with a little, emaciated, 
apparently dying baby, with its little, pale face turned 
towards heaven, as if there were no help or deliver- 
ance this side for such pitiful sufferers. There it lay 
on the bare boards ; there was no bed clothing, no 
pillow, no physician near to minister to the needs of 
that poor, little, innocent sufferer. I did not see even 
a drop of water with which to moisten its little, blue 
lips. Where was the mother? Still in our dolorous 
march, the turnkey opening one door after an- 
other, at length threw open a door, and there on the 
bare floor lay a woman, face downward, dead drunk, 
the mother of that apparently dying baby, all woman- 
hood, all motherhood obliterated, crushed out by the 
legalized instrument and agency of the bottomless pit. 

Oh, my God, give me, give me the power to write 
some word that may perchance be found here, after I 
am gone, that shall so enter the hearts and consciences 
ot Christians that they will, in the power Thou hast 
given them, arise out of their sinful indifference, join 
the army and help to wipe the liquor curse off the face 
of the earth. 

Sabbath morning, a beautiful spring morning of 
bright blue sky and sunshine, with the "Sabbath still- 
ness" brooding over nature and the inhabitants of the 
city, too (for in this old orthodox town the public 
houses are closed on the holy day), by request of the 
Evangelic Association, my friends took me to the 
Sunday morning breakfast in the Drill Hall. 

This charity, I think, originating in Mr. Moody's 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 245 

work, is conducted by an association of Christian men 
and women, the object being to gather in the wretched 
poor of the city, give them a breakfast of tea or coffee 
and a sandwich, and making use of this opportunity to 
read a portion of God's word, sing some of our sweet 
Gospel songs, pray for and talk to them about Jesus. 

At this time the breakfasts were served in the Drill 
Hall, a large, long building seating twenty-two hun- 
dred people, and every Sabbath morning every seat 
was filled. This, because of the greater number and 
apparent wretchedness of the poor creatures, was 
much more overwhelming than the one I visited in 
Liverpool. I was taken to the platform, and looking 
down the long hall on that immense throng of peeled 
and scathed and woe-begone humanity, I broke down 
and wept aloud. There were old men, bloated and 
blear-eyed, with great cuts and bruises about the head 
and face. There were men, hundreds of them, in the 
prime of life, young men and boys. There were old, 
frowsy, bedraggled women, young women, little, 
pinched, thinly-clad, barefooted children, all blasted 
and ruined by the drink, the drink, the drink! It 
seemed to me my Christ was looking over the battle- 
ments of heaven with pitying eyes and saying, "These 
are mine ; I paid the ransom for them on the accursed 
tree. An enemy hath done this." 

Oh, what a sight on a holy Sabbath morning, in 
a Christian land, in the midst of all holy Christian 
influences ! The church-going bells were pealing out 
their sweetest tones on the ambient air, calling the 
people to "come up and worship, come up and 
worship," and throngs of well-clad, comfortable people 



246 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

were hurrying to their respective sanctuaries. But oh, 
what of this two thousand and more before me? 
Who had cared for their souls? Pealed the bells never 
so sweetly, the call was not to them. And though 
the minister prayed never so fervently and preached 
never so eloquently, they heard not, they were not 
there. The drink, the accursed drink had lured them 
to destruction. What cared they for aught but a few 
pennies with which to buy a little more oblivion? 
And yet they were just as much the subject of atoning 
grace as the most exalted dignitary in the city. The 
call of "whosoever will" was to them, as much as to 
the most devout worshiper in the sanctuary that day. 

The curse, the legalized curse of drink had been 
their undoing. And Christian people had looked on 
with indifference ; had sanctioned the laws that pro- 
tected the worse than murderers in their work of 
destroying the souls and bodies of these and thousands 
more ; nay, more, had by their example led these weak 
ones on to their eternal destruction. For a time I felt 
that I could not bear the sight, that I would have to 
be taken out. But by a strong effort I was at length 
able to control myself. 

When I came to talk to them, the tears sprang from 
many a bloodshot eye and rained down many a be- 
grimed and bloated cheek. Very probably the sight 
of my tears and emotion may have helped to excite 
theirs. 

How shall I be able to convey to my American 
readers the fact that this most commendable association 
of Christians could not think of permitting any such 
plank as the temperance pledge being thrown to these 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 247 

souls that were being engulfed in the maelstrom of 
liquor? They honestly believed it would be wicked 
to offer the pledge on God's holy day. Thus does the 
curse, wherever it acquires control in any land or 
community, deaden the sense of its enormity and blind 
the eyes of even the best of Christian people. 

I must pause here to say that those good friends 
have long since come up onto a higher plain, and have 
become total abstainers and earnest workers in the 
temperance cause. 

But as we had not the liberty to offer the pledge, 
we nevertheless talked as well as we could. And as 
I proceeded, I asked how many would like to sign the 
pledge and henceforth lead sober lives, and a great 
forest of hands went up, and I knew for the time, at 
least, they were in earnest. Their better natures, so 
long deadened and steeped in liquor, were momen- 
tarily, we will say, aroused and stirred into a sense of 
what they had lost and what they had become. I 
knew they felt the longing and hunger for a better ex- 
istence, and would gladly (if they only had the power 
to break the shackles that bound and enslaved them) 
make the effort to get back their lost manhood, their lost 
womanhood, and make another start in the race of life. 

Still talking on, I again asked how many would like 
to meet me in heaven, and another great forest of 
hands went up — old, bloated, dirty, trembling hands, 
poor, little, thin, baby hands. And I knew again they 
were in earnest, they meant it. I knew if they could 
only have the hope of heaven to console them for the 
loss of all that makes this life a blessing, they would 
be willing to suffer on to the end. 



2^.6 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

At the conclusion of the meeting the poor creatures 
thronged about me and kissed my hand and wept over 
me and blessed me in the name of the Lord, till the 
friends were obliged to take me away from them and 
place me in the carriage, when the children gathered 
about it and sang " Sweet bye and bye.'" Oh, yes, I 
thought, you poor, forlorn little ones, if you could 
only have the hope of the "6weet bye and bye," what 
a compensation it would be for the sweet childhood of 
which the world has robbed you. But here they were 
in poverty, ignorance and disgrace, with all the 
barriers of their surroundings and the inheritance of 
depraved appetites and passions to fight and overcome, 
and added to all these the deadly, legalized enemy, 
the drink, to confront, which is ever ready to drag 
them down at every step of their way. 

Here intrudes my friend Mullet's ugly question 
again : " What have they to do with J"ree zuiH?" Oh, 
ye divines and theologians of profound study and 
years of research into the great plan of salvation, come 
help me solve this troublesome problem. 

As we drove away a number of them ran some 
squares by the carriage. Were they devoid of feeling 
or insensible to sympathy ?, I was told that many of 
these poor creatures would not have another bite that 
day, and that many had not where to lay their heads, 
but would walk the streets through the weary hours of 
the night, or curl down under some stairway or dry- 
goods box. 

While I write comes a letter from my beloved 
sisters, Miss White and Miss Bryson, full of sweet, 
tender words of remembrance and of good cheer be- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 249 

cause of the progress of our Gospel temperance work 
in Glasgow and other towns. Miss Bryson says : "I 
am growing less timid in addressing meetings. I have 
addressed several this winter." The Prison Gate 
Mission, the child of her prayers and labors, is prosper- 
ing, sheltering many a poor, friendless one who else 
would turn from the prison when released, only to find 
the public house again. 

The Mizpah Band, started by Mr. Moody when last 
in Glasgow, now numbers 1,000 men who have been 
redeemed from drink and now profess faith in Jesus. 
Mr. Simpson suggests the forming ot such an organi- 
zation for women, as many of these men have wives 
who drink. Mrs. Woika, my dear Jewess co-laborer, 
continues one of our best and most willing workers. 
Oh, what words of praise shall I offer my Father for 
the privilege He gave me of working with those 
earnest and faithful toilers ! 

At night I addressed an evangelical meeting at 
Prince of Wales Theater, over which Mr. Scott pre- 
sided, and Rev. Dr. Zieman also spoke. I see the 
audience is reported at 3,500, but I do not recall any- 
thing special in regard to the meeting. 

Monday morning Sir William Collins took me to 
the police court, and being honored with a seat among 
the judges of the court I had a fair opportunity to 
see the subjects of legal discipline and hear the pro- 
ceedings. I think the drunken mother with the baby 
must have been disposed of before I arrived, as I did 
not see her ; but there was the usual variety of poor, 
broken humanity arraigned and condemned, according 
to testimony, almost entirely for "drunk," "drunk and 



25O THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

disorderly," while the men that robbed them of their 
few pennies and made them offenders against the .law, 
a tax and burden upon the city, had already opened up 
their legal murder mills in high spirits for another 
week's destruction of souls and additional taxes upon 
the city, and no one seemed to think of them as in 
any way responsible. If they did, I suppose it was 
wisdom on their part to keep silent, lest their own 
complicity as citizens and law-makers might become a 
troublesome reflection. 

I am really thankful this minute that I am a woman. 
I do know that no set of women could be found who 
would make such a jumble of laws as we find every- 
where on the male statutes in regard to liquor. I 
suppose if I were a man I would be controlled by the 
same influences, and have no more sense than the 
rest of them. 

From the Scottish League yournal, dated April 
17th, I copy a report of a meeting called to confer as 
to the best methods of utilizing the results of our 
series of meetings : 

A meeting of prayer and conference of ladies trom 
Glasgow and ihe neighboring towns interested in the 
temperance cause was held in the Large Hall, .79 
Sauchiehall street, April 17th. Mrs. George Stewart, 
president of the Glasgow Women's Temperance Prayer 
Union, presided, and after the hymn "Till Jesus 
Comes" opened the meeting with prayer. The meet- 
ing was then left open, and several ladies offered 
earnest prayers for wisdom, guidance and strength for 
the work God has called us to do. The secretary then 
read notes from several of our temperance friends at 
Greenock, Paisley, etc., expressing regret at not being 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 25 I 

able to be present. Mrs. Stewart, the president, ex- 
plained the object of the conference ; that many hearts 
had been stirred during dear Mother Stewart's visit, 
and now we desired to know what more we could 
do in the temperance cause. She gave a short sketch 
of the origin and operations, so far, of the Women's 
Prayer Union, also of the gospel temperance work in 
the city. 

Mother Stewart then addressed the meeting, at the 
outset stating that we should beware of leaning on an 
arm of flesh ; that the temperance work is the Lord's 
work, and the Lord is our leader in it, and our strength. 
After referring to the international temperance con- 
vention of women at Philadelphia, in June, and the 
conference which is to be held at Newcastle this week 
to appoint delegates to it, Mother Stewart made many 
valuable suggestions, some of which are as follows : 

1st — To establish a woman's journal as a medium of 
communication and information among women en- 
gaged in temperance work. (This has since been 
done, the paper being published in London, though 
the dear sisters at that time looked upon the idea as 
almost Utopian). 

2d — To hold public mass meetings of women in 
Glasgow and other places, appointing deputations of 
ladies to be present and take part in them. 

3d — To establish women's district prayer meetings 
in Glasgow and other towns. 

4th — At those meetings to bring in requests for 
prayer for special cases of drunkenness, also for those 
who make and those who sell intoxicants. 

5th — To encourage and hold Bands of Hope and 
children's meetings, both on a large and small 
scale. 

6th — To appoint deputations of two ladies to be 
present at the police court every Monday morning 
when the cases of drunkenness are disposed of. The 
effect, she thought, would be good in the police court, 



252 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN, 

and would also stir us up more to strive to "rescue 
the perishing." 

7th — To petition against licenses Jor grocers selling 
drink. 

8th — To petition against women or children being 
allowed to buy drink. 

Only the last suggestion but one was formally put 
to the meeting, Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Woika speaking 
to the point ; also Mrs. Macpherson, who stated that 
the committee of the Prayer Union had some time 
since passed a resolution only to patronize grocers who 
have no license. It was unanimously decided to 
petition against grocers having license. Mrs. George 
Stewart stated that 130 new licenses for the city of 
Glasgow are applied for, and to be disposed of at the 
court to-morrow, and brought forward a memorial to 
the magistrates praying them to grant no new licenses. 
The meeting unanimously adopted the memorial, and 
authorized Mrs. Stewart to sign it and forward it to 
the magistrates. 

Miss White stated that several hundred had signed 
the pledge at Mother Stewart's series of meetings in 
Glasgow, and that there is a prospect of more than 
one district prayer meeting resulting from them. 

Mrs. Stewart referred to the case of a poor victim 
of intemperance to whom Mother Stewart gave the 
pledge at the Bridgeton meeting. At a subsequent 
meeting a week later he came so improved in outward 
appearance that she hardly recognized him ; and the 
offer of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ being 
lovingly pressed upon him, he there and then accepted 
Christ — onlv one of many instances in which the 
stumbling block of drink having been rolled away, the 
dead soul has found life in Christ. 

Mrs. Mair, a missionary returned from Africa, spoke 
on the duty of each one beginning at her own door, 
in personal w T ork. Miss Cook, of Dumbarton, spoke 
on woman's place in the Lord's harvest-field, in speak- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 253 

ing to others of Jesus and rescuing the perishing. 

Mrs. Gilchrist said she had been stirred up to more 
earnest interest in the temperance cause, and related 
the case of a publican who, being converted, was 
lovingly dealt with and could not continue in his 
business, but gave it up, showing that the very same 
work that had been so blessed in America is possible 
here. 

The meeting, which all felt to be a deeply interest- 
ing and profitable one, lasted above two hours, and at 
the close several ladies from a distance enrolled their 
names as members of t' e Prayer Union. 

As I write, the report of the British Women's Tem- 
perance Association, Scottish Christian Union, for 
1885, Eighth Annual Report, comes to hand. And 
turning to the report from Glasgow, I see, in regard to 
special efforts for the advancement of the cause, such 
methods as suggested in this meeting are being used, 
and much active and efficient work is being done. 

I am in possession of a sort of open secret that I 
have a mind to tell right here. Of course it is known 
to all the world that the ladies of the old country were 
much more conservative than those of America. But 
few ladies had the nerve to brave the public prejudice 
by appearing on the platform. And I understood that 
when it was known that I was coming to' Glasgow 
some of the very conservative ladies thought it ad- 
visable to caution the sisters that they were not to 
follow Mother Stewart's example by taking the plat- 
form or participating in public meetings. But before 
I left, not less than half a' dozen of those devoted 
women felt their souls so fired with zeal for the blessec. 
cause, and their hearts so full of thoughts, that it was 



254 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

" like fire shut up in their bones." And I, in very in- 
nocent fashion, of course, made opportunities for them. 

To-day, in looking over this report, and, indeed, in 
these intervening years, I have with so much gladness 
noticed reports of the blessed work done by these and 
other pious women who have through our Gospel 
temperance work found their birthright — the right to 
trade upon the talents the Master hath intrusted to 
them. And the blessed results have proven that they 
had gained other two or five or ten, as the case might 
be. Some, as Miss White and Miss Bryson, have been 
heard with rapt attention, not only in other parts of 
the kingdom, but in my own country. The years 
have been full of work, organizing unions, addressing 
public assemblies, ladies' conferences, bands of hope, 
young women's and mothers' meetings, visiting jails, 
gathering the liberated prisoners into the Prison Gate 
Mission. This sheltering haven, as I have already 
said, was the outgrowth of M'ss Bryson's prayers and 
labors, and many a poor outcast has been sheltered 
here and cared for and taught a better way, and 
eventually redeemed. 

But oh, the talents that have been lost to the world 
in the Christian churches everywhere because of that 
false notion that women must not use the gifts with 
which God has endowed them, lest they shall do some 
dreadful thing, make themselves unwomanly, etc. All 
those false teachings about " women's sphere," 
"women unsexing themselves," and the rest, originated 
with the adversary of all good, and Christians have 
accepted the teaching, even to the "wresting of the 
Scriptures." 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 255 

If the Lord really meant that women should never 
speak in public, why did Jesus commission a woman 
to publish the gladdest tidings that ever sounded on 
mortal ear? Jesus chose a woman from among all 
His followers to proclaim to the world that happy 
morning that He had risen. It was Rhoda that 
hastened with such joy that she could hardly utter the 
good news, that Peter was out of prison and stood at 
the gate. 

I wonder if it ever occurs to the good brethren that 
there are many and many a time women sitting de- 
murely listening to an expounder of the truth, trying 
to elucidate something that is not very clear in his 
own mind, making confusion more confounded the 
further he goes, that could state the proposition with 
half the volubility and half the " fuss and feathers," 
and yet clearer and more to the edification of the 
hearers? It is often the fact, my dear brethren, 
whether you know it or not. But Satan knew what a 
power woman would be in the pulling down of his 
strongholds if allowed the liberty of an intelligent 
human being ; and so the thing to be done was to put 
bolts and bars across the door of her lips. Blessed be 
the name of the Lord, He is breaking those bars and 
undoing the bolts, and the result is, Satan's kingdom 
is suffering violence, and the violent will, ere long, 
take it by storm. 

On this day, April 17th, I attended a dinner tendered 
by Miss Cahoon, where I met a number of ladies, and 
a tea given by Mrs. Thompson, where I met other 
ladies. At night in Cowcadden's Free church, where 
I had been advertised for my farewell meeting (to 



256 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

close my series of engagements in the city) I addressed 
a crowded house. 

This meeting was under the auspices of the Scottish 
Permissive Bill and Temperance Association and the 
Glasgow Abstinence Union Councillor Hamilton 
occupied the chair, being supported by Bailies Collins 
and Torrens, Provost Dick, of Kinning Park, and 
others. Bailie Collins, Mrs. A. Stewart and others 
also spoke. I see a memorandum of also address, 
ing or visiting a Sunday-school meeting the same 
evening, but cannot now recall anything connected 
with it. It will be admitted, I presume, that this was 
a pretty fair day's work. 

An incident, connected with this meeting at Cow- 
cadden's church, was given me by Mrs. S. J. Milne, of 
Toronto, Ohio, eleven years after its occurrence, 
which, with its sequel, is of so affecting a nature to 
me that I can but believe that my readers will be glad 
to share it with me. Mrs. Milne says : 

I was in Glasgow in April, 1876, on my wedding 
tour, and with everybody else went to hear Mother 
Stewart, the crusader, from my own State, at Cow- 
cadden's Free church, 'on Monday evening, April 17th. 
The occasion was, as announced, Mother Stewart's 
farewell, before going over to the Irish Annual League 
meeting at Belfast. As a matter of course, there was 
an immense audience, and though eleven years have 
passed since then the memory of that grand occasion 
is still fresh in my mind. 

In the audience that night were eight young men, 
engineers in the employ of the Peninsular and Oriental 
Steamline Company, who were waiting for the train 
that was to take them to Southampton, where they, 
after their vacation, would again resume their duties 




JVI^s. HELEJN ^IR^, 

First Pres. W. T. A.. Edinburgh 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 257 

on their respective steamers. Taking advantage of 
the time of waiting to attend Mother Stewart's meet- 
ing, thev w re all converted to total abstinence by her 
persuasive eloquence, and with others signed the 
pledge. The company these young engineers serve 
claim to be the most wealthy and powerful in the 
world, boasting that the sun always shines on their 
steamers, for they are sailing all seas. 

It was a time-honored custom of the company to 
furnish their engineers each one bottle of wine per 
week day and a bottle of brandy on Sunday. But 
from that memorable night those gallant young teeto- 
talers declined their rations, taking the price in money, 
with which they bought temperance literature for 
distribution. And so, as they sailed the seas over, at 
every port and to every ship's crew whose path they 
crossed, to the extent of their ability, they scattered 
the seeds of temperance and total abstinence. And by 
such blessed means was the pathetic appeal of Mother 
Stewart made to reverberate around the w T orld. 

To my cousin, Miss Guthrie, missionary to Hong 
Kong, China, I am indebted for the above facts. In 
relating them, she added that to-day six of those young 
men sleep in Happy Valley (the cemetery), in Hong 
Kong. Having lived sober and useful lives, they now 
fill honored graves. 

Who can ever know how much the company owes 
to the strictly temperate habits of those young teeto- 
talers, or how many sad disasters, with their attendant 
loss of life, were averted by their taking the noble 
stand they did that night in Glasgow? 

Miss G. closes her intensely interesting story of the 
young engineers with generous words of eulogy upon 
the humble instrument that it would not be seemly for 
her to repeat here. But oh, she may, as she has so 
often, and shall again on the glory shore, repeat, I am 



258 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

so glad, I am so glad that my blessed Jesus hath be- 
stowed upon me the honor — yes, greater than any 
earthly prince can bestow — of being a gleaner, though 
so humble, in the great harvest-field ; and though many 
of the sheaves, as those whose dust lies in Happy 
Valley, are already garnered, I shall meet them on 
that shore not many days hence. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Irish Annual League Meeting— Report of the Conference 
by Rev. J. Kay— Report From the " Northern Whig," of Bel- 
fast—Toast to the Queen and Royal Family— Continued 
Report of Rev. Mr. Kay— Ladies* Temperance Association — 
Letter From Mrs. S. C. Hall — An Old Story by S. C. Hall. 

ON Tuesday, April 18th, I parted with Mrs. 
Parker, she setting out for Newcastle-upon- 
Tyne, to superintend the meeting we had called there, 
and I (having made the engagement before leaving 
England) to attend the Irish Annual League meeting. 
The Ladies' Prayer Union had deputed Miss Bryson, 
and the Scottish League Association had appointed 
ex-Provost Dick and lady to accompany me. Rev. J. 
Kay, of the League, was also of our party. Taking 
passage in the Llama on Tuesday evening, upon awak- 
ing on Wednesday morning we found ourselves at the 
pier at Belfast, and a committee, Mr. David Fortune, 
the wonderfully live and efficient secretary of the 
association, at the head, waiting to receive us and 
escort us to our respective places of entertainment. 

It was my happy fortune to find my home at Wheat- 
field, the beautiful country seat of Mr. Lindsey, 
one of the manufacturing and merchant princes of 
Ireland, where we were entertained in right royal 
fashion. It may be an item of interest to my 
American Methodist friends to know that, as my 
hostess told me, I occupied the same rooms occupied 



260 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

by our lamented Bishop Kingsley when on his way to 
the East, where he found his last resting place. 

What a perfect specimen of a high-bred Irish lady 
was our hostess, and what a genial, whole-souled gen- 
tleman was our host ! 

I find in the Scottish League your.nal of April 29th 
a report of the conference from the pen of Rev. J. 
Kay, which I copy, as it gives a fuller account than I 
could otherwise recall : 

Leaving Scotland on Tuesday evening, I arrived in 
Belfast on Wednesday morning, the Llama bearing 
very precious cargo in the shape of our worthy Scotch 
Provost, and the respected leader of the women's 
crusade, Mother Stewart, both bound for the anni- 
versary meetings. The secretary of the League 
(which is Fortu7iate in the possesssion of a model 
secretary) was waiting at the quay to receive the 
deputies and to see that hospitable invitations of his 
Executive and others were duly honored. * * * 

On Wednesday evening a public soiree, known in 
Scotland as a table soiree, was held in the Ulster Hall. 
I have not witnessed for many a year a more inspiring 
sight. Each lady at the head of her own table, sur- 
rounded by about a dozen of her friends ; the lady of 
the mayor entertaining the deputies (the guests from 
Glasgow) and doing the honors of the position with 
all the grace for which the ladies of Ireland are 
famed ; the pleasant greetings, the spontaneous hearti- 
ness of the meeting, have all left upon my mind an 
impression of the most pleasant kind. 

The tables are at length removed, the seats re-set 
and the platform occupied by the speakers. It was 
evidently the wish of the Irish brethren that Mrs. 
Stewart should have, as she was entitled to have, the 
chief place as speaker at this interesting meeting. It 
was charming to mark the good taste of all the speak- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 201 

ers who preceded that lady, in so curtailing their 
remarks that ample time was afforded for the friend 
who had crossed the Atlantic to stir up her sex for 
more earnest temperance work. 

Having formed one of Mrs. Stewart's audience in 
the City Hall of Glasgow on the previous Tuesday, I 
was entitled to compare the address delivered there 
with that delivered in the Ulster Hall, Belfast. It 
will not, I hope, be deemed treasonable if I should 
say that Mrs. Stewart's peculiar power was displayed 
to much greater advantage in the latter place than in 
the former. The tremendous earnestness of the wom- 
an's voice, the pleading accents of the woman's 
loving heart, the scathing scorn of a righteous indig- 
nation, all produced their full effect, and the furor over 
the successful debut of some great operatic singer could 
not exceed the enthusiastic cheers with which her 
address of sixty minutes was received. The triumph 
of the Wednesday night's meeting was a woman's 
triumph, and it was, besides, well deserved. 

The enthusiasm that my very generous friend men- 
tions was so continuous that I was obliged to ask the 
audience to desist and allow me to finish, as it was 
growing so late. This meeting was presided over by 
Mr. Means, M. P. 

Says the Northern Whig, of Belfast, April 21st : 

At half past three o'clock the annual dinner took 
place in Robinson's hotel, Donegall street, at which 
there was a numerous and representative company. 
Mr. Finlay McCance, M. P., occupied the chair, and 
to his right sat Mr. M. R. Dalway, M. P., president of 
the League, and to his left Mrs. E. D. Stewart and 
the Right Hon. Wm. Fox, ex-Premier of New Zealand. 
After an excellent dinner, which was supplied in a 
highly satisfactory manner by Mrs. Robinson, a num- 



262 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

ber of speeches bearing on the various phases of the 
temperance movement were delivered. 

It may be interesting to Americans, in view of the 
exciting state of public affairs in Ireland in these days 
to know that the queen and royal family House of 
Lords and House of Commons were duly toasted and 
cheered. 

After we had taken our seats at the table, Mr. 
Fortune, the secretary, came to me and informed me 
that I was on the program for the first toast, "The 
Queen and the Royal Family." 

I was not a little startled, and told him I could not 
respond to that toast. I felt sure I should make a 
miserable failure, which I did not want to do just 
then. He insisted that I could, but I positively de- 
clined to attempt it. "Very well," he said, "we will 
put you further down on the list, but we would prefer 
that you take the first place," and left me. I began to 
think right fast. This was a special compliment — a 
compliment to my beloved America, a compliment to 
my crusade sisters. I sent to him to come to me 
again, and told him I would try it. If I could not 
talk se?2se, I could talk nonsense, which seemed quite 
satisfactory. 

When the tables were cleared, the toasts and 
speeches being next in order, the toast to the queen 
and royal family was read, and Mother Stewart was 
called out. I can recall but very little that I said, 
but as near as I can get at it the nonsense predomin- 
ated. I told them that my family, the Stewarts, 
claimed to be an off-shoot from the royal family, but 
we had shot so far off that there was no danger to be 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 263 

apprehended from us. In the way of a little sense, I 
told them that we of my country loved and honored 
their noble queen only second to themselves. We 
honored her because of her noble character as a 
woman, as a loving and faithful wife and model 
mother, as well as for her grand qualities as a sovereign 
of a great and mighty people. We could only regret 
that she did not more fully give the support of her 
influence and endorsement to our cause. It would be 
of incalculable benefit to her majesty's subjects, and, 
indeed, to the world. After I sat down, brother For- 
tune so kindly relieved me by coming and congratulat- 
ing me, and said he would send my speech to the 
queen ; but I reckon he forgot it. It was certainly 
hardly worth the pains. 

Rev. Mr. Kay, continuing his report, says of the 
Thursday night meeting : 

Up to this point, however, there has not been what 
the Irish people so dearly love — a demonstration. But 
now the curtain is raised, and behold the demonstra- 
tion ! I can only say that if all demonstrations in 
Ireland and elsewhere were of the same cheering and 
invigorating nature, I could stand one every week. 
The Ulster Hall, about the same size as the City Hall 
in Glasgow, was so crowded that the enumerators of 
the North British Daily Mail would have been over- 
whelmed by the effort to count the vast multitude. 

The chair was occupied by the Lord Mayor, 
decorated in his heavy gold chains and paraphernalia 
of office, and was supported right and left by members 
of parliament, who, although occupying opposite 
benches in the House of Commons, are as one upon 
the question which has called forth this grand assem- 
blage, and who both spoke earnestly and well on 



264 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

behalf of the object of the meeting ; this object being 
to secure for Ireland the blessing of a Sabbath un- 
desecrated and undisturbed by the oncarrying of the 
liquor traffic on the day of rest. Clergymen, magis- 
trates, merchants fill the platform to overflowing, and 
resolution after resolution is formally put and carried 
without one dissenting voice. The speaking was on 
all hands admitted to be of a high order. 

The Scottish Permissive Bill Association was ex- 
cellently represented by Provost Dick ; the United 
Kingdom Alliance, by the Right Hon. Sir William 
Fox ; the British Temperance League, by Rev. James 
Balmer, of Manchester, whose thrilling eloquence 
aroused the vast audience to the highest pitch or 
enthusiasm ; America, by Mrs. Stewart, and the Irish 
Closing Bill Association, by its secretary, Mr. Russell, 
in a speech full of nerve and vigor. What was it all 
about? Why, simply to secure for Ireland the benefit 
of a measure which Scotland has enjoyed for twenty- 
two years. Judging from the enthusiastic nature of 
the meeting, and the class of men who were present, 
I should say that the boon will soon be given. 

It has since been gained, with a clause excepting 
the five largest cities, I believe ; and though prohibit- 
ing the sale only one day in seven, it has resulted in 
the greatly increased order and morals of the people, 
a greatly reduced number of arrests and the saving of 
millions of money to the people. I wonder how many 
ages yet it will take the men of this country and my 
own to see the wisdom of multiplying these benefits 
by seven ? 

This was the meeting at which I charged them to 
beware of the loopholes of the Sunday closing law of 
Scotland, especially in regard to the bona -fide traveler 
clause, out of which some reporter made a muddie, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 265 

and the very honorable M. P.'s in parliament took the 
liberty therefrom to assert that Mother Stewart was 
opposed to the Irish Sunday Closing Bill — a most 
astonishing stretch of imagination for a law-maker of 
the kingdom of Great Britain. Perhaps I should feel 
myself highly honored by being quoted as authority 
on the Irish Sunday Closing Bill by those honorable 
solons. I'll think of it. 

Mr. Kay, in closing his very full and interesting 
report, says : 

It was in my power to attend but one other meeting 
in this interesting series. It was a meeting of the 
Ladies' Temperance Association, held mainly on Mrs. 
Stewart's account, and of all that lady's appearance in 
Ireland it was the one which enabled me to judge 
most accurately of the instrumentality which God had 
been pleased to employ in the great crusade against 
the whisky traffic in America. In her powerful ad- 
dress on this occasion there was a marked and total 
abstinence of the "glorious women of the West" 
business, so much affected by some of the hangers-on 
at the skirts of this really noble woman, and an entire 
giving to Almighty God of the glory and the praise. 

The chair was occupied by a veteran in the cause of 
temperance, J. G. Richardson, of Bessbrook. 

Ladies moved and seconded the various resolutions. 
I have listened to nothing for years on the question of 
temperance to be compared to the appeal made by the 
highly-esteemed wife of the chairman, a member of 
the Society of Friends. I suppose many of the readers 
of the League Journal have perused Adam Bede, by 
George Eliot. Let them call up to their thoughts the 
woman preacher Dinah, as she stands on the village 
green and pleads with men for God, and they will 
understand my meaning when I say that the calm, 
forcible, altogether ladylike address of the mover of 



266 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the resolution at the noon-day meeting on Friday was 
something never to be forgotten. Every word was 
with power — I had almost said with "demonstration 
of the spirit and power." 

As I stood speaking at this noon-day meeting, a 
telegram of greetings was brought me from Mrs. 
Parker, at the ladies' conference in Newcastle, giving 
the cheering news that they were organized and 
moving on in great harmony and enthusiasm ; and we 
returned our congratulations and expression of thanks- 
giving that the Lord was also with us. 

A letter was also handed me from that gifted lady 
Mrs. S. C. Hall, which I am sure the reader will thank 
me for giving a place here. This noble and talented 
lady, as also her equally grand and gifted husband, 
have both passed to the eternal shore since. But they 
have left the world the richer in many valuable 
literary contributions for their having lived in it. Mrs. 
Hall's writings were of so elevating and helpful a 
character to the people as to call forth from the queen 
a most flattering letter of commendation. 

April 18th, 1876. 

Avenue Villa, 50 Holland St., Kensington. 

Dear Lady and Sister Stewart : — I wish to be 
one of the many Irish women who greet you with 
warmth of heart and grateful affection. You are 
doing God's work in doing theirs ; may your labor be 
blessed in its results. 

Your work is essentially woman's work ; not only 
because the curse of drink falls heaviest upon women 
— as mothers, daughters, sisters, wives — but because it 
is the expected duty of our sex to lead men into paths 
that lead to God. 

I know your teachings are especially needed now, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 267 

for I know that of late years the pestilence has been 
destroying thousands of my countrymen and country- 
women, blighting and withering, defeating all the 
good influences of religion, progress and material 
prosperity. 

And I heartily rejoice that in this woman's mission 
I foresee a change that will be "mighty to save" from 
the poverty, misery, degradation and crime that in- 
variably and inevitably come from drink. You are, I 
repeat, doing that which is essentially woman's work, 
and my heart is with you. Although I can aid you 
only with my prayers and the weak efforts of my pen, 
I pray you to enlist me among the recruits who fight 
this fight under the banner of Christ, and name me 
among the delegates to the Women's Temperance Con- 
vention to be held at Philadelphia on the ioth of June, 
of the memorable year 1876. I wish I could be with 
you there in body as I shall be in spirit, mind and soul ; 
there to echo the sentiment expressed by my husband 
in the poem you quote : 

" They only with the woman's weapons fight, 
In armor given by the King of kings — 
Love, patience, hope, endurance." 

Yes, it is woman's work, and woman will do it. 
You will not ask in vain the aid you can receive from 
sympathizing sisters here. The "All hail " and the 
" God speed " are not the only help they will give you. 

Dear lady and sister, may Heaven help you, for the 
sake of God and man, to bring Ireland back to the 
state in which I knew it in 1843, when the apostle of 
temperance, the Franciscan friar, Theobald Mathew, 
for a time, alas, only for a time, regenerated my 
country. I love and honor the memory of that good 
priest ; it is a high privilege to have known him and 
to have borne testimony, as happily we did, to the 
purity of his motives and the holiness of his mission, 
soon after that mission was commenced. Ah, if his 
work had been continued up to this day, and the devil, 



268 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

drink, abandoned altogether his sway over my 
countrymen and countrywomen, Ireland would have 
been in deed and in truth, ere this, 

" Great, glorious and free ; 
The first flower of the earth, and first gem of the sea." 

My affectionate love to you and the many who work 
with you and act with you. 

Ever dear friend and sister, yours in faith, hope and 
trust, Anna Maria (Mrs. S. C.) Hall. 

Mrs. Stewart. 

I cannot more appropriately follow this kind and 
loving letter, in closing this chapter, nor pay a more 
fitting tribute to the memory of these grand and noble 
toilers in the Master's vineyard, so beautiful and loving 
in their lives, so briefly separated by death, than by 
quoting the greeting to the crusaders referred to by 
Mrs. Hall in the poem "An Old Story," by her hus- 
band, Mr. S. C. Hall : 

He had his warnings ! Yes, he heard and read 

Of that pure, gentle, yet heroic band 

Of women-workers in a distant land, 

Who stand between the living and the dead ; 

Like Israel's prophet-priest, like him who prayed — 

Prayed for the stricken — and the plague was stayed. 

What are these women doing? Who are they? 
God's temperance teachers, who Persuade and Pray! 
Why are they kneeling in the public way? 
What is their mission? — to Persuade and Pray! 
Xo angry words of bitter thoughts they say ; 
Christ's simple sisters who Persuade and Pray! 
Theirs is no stately tread, no proud array ; 
In humble meekness they Persuade and Pray! 
Wide is the gate and very broad the way 
That leads to ruin — they Persuade and Pray! 
And children yet unborn will bless the day 
That saw their mothers thus Persuade and Pray! 



THE CRUSADER IJN GREAT BRITAIN. 269 

They fight — these women fight — for more than lives; 
For they are mothers, daughters, sisters, wives ; 
And know the moral and social blight 
To every hearth and home the drunkard brings. 
They only with the women's weapons fight, 
In the armor given them by the King of kings ! 
Love, Patience, Hope, Endurance ; these prevail 
When earthly weapons, that seem better, fail ; 
Strong in His strength, and mighty in His might! 

To send them a "God speed," a woman's "All hail ! " 
Have they no sympathizing sisters here 
In the old home, the honored mother-land? 
Millions ! who dearly love the woman band ! 
With countless hosts of angels very near. 

God bless ye, sisters — each a dear loved friend; 

Take the " all hail " and the " God speed " we send. 

Go on — your woman's sword you will not sheath ; 

Go on — and gain the Amaranthine wreath. 

You may not win the victory to-day, 

But it must come, for you Persuade and Pray.' 



CHAPTER XV. 

Return to Glasgow— Drill Hall— Meeting in Dr. Wallace's 
Church— Report of the Formation of the B. W. T. A — 
Paisley— Ladies' Conference— Meeting in Rev. Mr. Bana- 
tine's Church — A Ladies' Temperance Association — 
Campbellton — Rothesay — Tea Meeting — Large Evening 
Meeting — Kelso — Selkirk— Address of Welcome. 

HOW like a half waking dream of the morning, 
woven of the song of birds and the rays of the 
rosy sunshine streaming through the portals of the 
east, is the memory of that all too brief visit to Ireland, 
beautiful Ireland, and its refined, cultured and earnest 
Christian workers ! Ireland, beautiful emerald, set in 
the sea ! But alas, alas, "the trail of the serpent is 
over all." Not the landlord, but the publican, is the 
bane of Ireland. How gladly would I, at the earnest 
invitation of our host and hostess, backed up by the 
promise of excursions to Fingal's Cave and elsewhere, 
have tarried longer ! But other engagements were 
crowding upon me. 

Returning to Glasgow on the night steamer of the 
21st, I attended, as a visitor, an immense meeting of 
children at noon on the 32d ; at night again at the 
Drill Hall, where we met a large audience of our 
Sunday morning hearers ; and as it was not the Sab- 
bath it was not deemed irreligious to present the 
pledge and urge these poor victims of the drink curse 
to break the chains of custom, habit and appetite, and 
make a fight for life, present and eternal. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 2>] I 

Our appeal was responded to by 1S4, who came 
forward and signed the pledge. This was the inaugu- 
ration of a long series of Saturday night meetings, 
though it was my last meeting with them. On the 
next Saturday night over forty signed the pledge, and 
on the following Saturday fifty-four signed. 

The ladies of the Union appointed committees, who 
took oversight of this new accession to the temperance 
ranks, visiting such as had homes, and encouraging 
them to stand firm and look to the Lord for strength 
to resist temptation and overcome their appetites. 

In all the years since, these Saturday night meetings 
have been sustained, and thousands have signed the 
pledge and started on a new, sober life. A fund was 
raised, with which a large and commodious tabernacle 
was built. - 

To the ladies of the Temperance Prayer Union and 
to Rev. Robt. Simpson, Sr., who was always instant 
in season and out, in every effort to assist poor, fallen 
humanity up into a better life, and a few others of 
like faith and works, is due the honor of this blessed 
work for the Master. 

From time to time, as the years have gone on, my 
heart has been cheered by good news from the Satur- 
day night meetings. Through my dear sisters Bryson 
and White has come the message, "Tell Mother 
Stewart I signed the pledge for her, and I am standing 
fast." Oh, what riches of grace, wrnt a compensation 
for the toil, the weariness, the persecution of enemies, 
the wounds of friends, will it be if my Father shall 
permit me to meet even one of those lowly ones, from 
the Drill Hall in Glasgow, on the hills of glory! 



272 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

Sabbath evening, April 23d, by invitation of Rev. 
Alexander Wallace, D. D., I addressed his people. The 
large church was filled to its utmost capacity, the 
number being estimated at from 3,000 to 3,500. 
Before introducing me, the doctor remarked in under- 
tone that there were several publicans in the audience, 
adding, "Smite them; smite in the name of the 
Lord." I am glad to record that these publicans were 
not members of Dr. Wallace's church, though in many 
churches publicans held respectable membership, and 
not unfrequently they occupied honorable places as 
office bearers. When I came to speak, I did smite as 
best I could ; with what result, He in whose name I 
made the effort to send the truth home to their hearts, 
knoweth. The doctor introduced me to his people in 
such words of warm indorsement and commendation 
as gave me their respectful and sympathetic hearing, 
and I found them a grand audience to talk to. 

I learned that at the noonday prayer meeting the 
next day Dr. Wallace gave a very kind report of the 
meeting, and expressed his gratification at the result. 
Among my dearly prized treasures is a volume, "Life's 
Gloaming," one of his many valuable productions, 
with his compliments, in memory of that meeting. I 
have also been made very happy since by receiving, 
through Miss W T hite, messages of Christian love and 
remembrance publicly expressed by Dr. Wallace and 
his congregation. 

Monday, 24th, in company with sisters White and 
Bryson, I visited Paisley, where by appointment Mrs. 
Parker, returning from Newcastle, joined us. Mrs. 
Parker was overflowing with satisfaction at the grand 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 273 

result of our appeal to the Christian women in the 
formation of the British Women's Temperance 
Association, under most encouraging circumstances. I 
cannot now recall the glowing words with which her 
heart overflowed, as she related the proceedings of the 
meeting, the organization, and the encouragement they 
received from the delegation sent by the English 
Grand Lodge of Good Templars in session at the time 
to congratulate the women, bid them God speed, and 
to pledge their hearty co-operation. But among my 
papers I find the first report of the British Women's 
Association, also the Newcastle Northern Express of 
April 22d, from which I copy as follows : 

First British Women's Temperance Conference, held 

at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, April 21st, 1876. 

A conference composed of about 150 ladies, includ- 
ing influential delegates from various parts of the 
kingdom, assembled in Central Hall on Friday morn- 
ing at ten o'clock. 

On the motion of Mrs. Lucas, of London, Mrs. 
Parker, of Dundee, was called to the chair. 

After singing, reading of the vScriptures, and prayer, 
Mrs. Parker, in opening the proceedings, said : 

"In accordance with the earnestly-expressed wish 
of the Women's Christian Temperance Union of 
America, and the firm conviction of our own minds 
that God has already prepared the hearts of Christian 
women throughout the land to do a great work for 
Him in the cause of temperance, this convention has 
been called. 

"We trust that it will be the means of gathering 
and utilizing the now scattered forces which already 
exist ; and that by prayer and union of effort and pur- 
pose such a fire may be kindled in our own hearts as 
will never die out until God shall wipe away from our 



274 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

land the evil of intemperance, which makes us a 
reproach among the nations. 

" We believe there is such a power and might in the 
influence of women, that if it were exercised aright 
would shake the kingdom to its center on this im- 
portant question ; and the country is in perishing need 
of it. 

"The glorious temperance work accomplished by the 
Christian women of America has been told to the 
world, and its beneficent results have spread from the 
shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, and ex- 
tended throughout the civilized world, a vast tidal 
wave, finding its echoes on our shores, also, and arous- 
ing Christian women everywhere to a sense of their 
responsibility. We hail with joy the accomplishment 
of so much, and we earnestly pray that God would 
awaken in the heart of every Christian woman a 
desire to do her part in putting away this evil from 
our midst. 

k 'In response to the kind invitation sent by our 
American sisters to attend the international temper- 
ance convention to be held in Philadelphia, in June, 
and with a view of further strengthening their hands 
and our own, we propose, with the sanction of this 
convention, to appoint delegates to represent the tem- 
perance women of Great Britain and Ireland in the 
first International Woman's Temperance Convention 
the world has ever known. Let us lift up united 
prayers that the Divine Leader of our hosts may be 
with us in the demonstration of the spirit, and with 
power. 

" ' Though woman's hand is weak to fight, 
Her heart is strong to pray ; 
And with fingers of faith she will open the gates 
To a brighter and better day.' " 

The circular, already copied, was read, and various 
interesting addresses were delivered by Mrs. Lucas, of 
London ; Miss Richardson, of Bristol ; Mrs. Postle- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 275 

thwaite, of Stroud ; Mrs. Bevington, of Clay Cross, 
Derbyshire, and Mrs. Durant, of London. 

The meeting adjourned for a prayer meeting, and 
resumed its sitting at two o'clock. 

The minutes of the morning meeting were read and 
adopted, and it was resolved that the meeting form 
itself into the British Woman's Temperance Associa- 
tion, and at once elect office bearers, consisting of 
president, vice-presidents, secretary and treasurer. 
The following ladies were appointed to hold office, 
and conjointly to form the executive committee, with 
power to add to their number : 
President, Mrs. Parker, The Cliff, Dundee. 

Vice-presidents, Mrs. Lucas, London. 

Mrs. S. C. Hall, London. 

Mrs. Scholfield, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 

Mrs. John Benson, " " " 

Mrs. Mawson, Gateshead. 

Mis. Clapham, " 

Mrs. Goudie, Tynemouth. 

Mrs. Wm. Robb, Hexham. 

Mrs. Temperley, " 

Mrs. Shorter, Middlesbrough. 

Mrs. M. Crisp, " 

Mrs. Tanner, Sidcot, Somerset. 

Miss N. Whiteman, Rye. 

Mrs. Postlethwaite, Stroud. 

Mrs. D. Sturge, Oldbury. 

Mrs. Jones, Wrexham. 

Miss Eliza Wigham, Edinburgh. 

Mrs. George Stewart, Glasgow. 

Mrs. Henderson, Dundee. 

Mrs. H. Wigham, Dublin. 

Mrs. M. Edmondson, Dublin. 
Secretary, Mrs. Mawson, Gateshead. 

Treasurer, Unnamed. 

The following ladies were appointed delegates to 



276 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

the International Temperance Conference, to be held 
in Philadelphia on the 10th of June : Mrs. Lucas, 
London : Mrs. Margaret E. Parker, Dundee ; Mrs. 
Woika, Mrs. Adelaide Stewart, Miss Wilson, of 
Glasgow : Mother Stewart, for England ; Mrs. Well- 
stood, Edinburgh ; the Misses Mawson, of Gateshead, 
with power to the president to add to the number. 

Reference was made to the valuable labors of Mrs. 
E. D. (Mother) Stewart in the cause of temperance in 
this country, and the meeting requested the president 
to convey to her a testimonial of their high apprecia- 
tion of her efforts, and their desire that an interchange 
of ideas and co-operative measures may be maintained 
with this association after her return to America. 

A deputation from the Grand Lodge of England, 
I. O. G. T., in session in Newcastle at the same time, 
consisting of the following sisters in their official 
regalia, was introduced by Mrs. Lucas, G. Vice Tem- 
plar : Miss Jane Neild, P. A. G. secretary : Mrs. 
Elizabeth Bevington, A. G. Marshal : Miss Hannah E. 
Young, D. G. J. T. ; Mrs. Xellie S. Whiteman, D. V. 
T. ; Mrs. Margaret A. Tanner. A. G. secretary ; and 
Miss Wilson, A. G. M. 

Several of these ladies addressed the meeting, express- 
ing their interest and sympathy in the movement, and 
they presented the following congratulatory address : 

"Resolved, That the Grand Lodge, I. O. G. T., in 
session assembled, rejoices to learn that an attempt is 
being made to-day in the Central Hall to inaugurate a 
British Women's Temperance Association, and while 
expressing its perfect sympathy with the movement 
prays that the divine blessing may rest upon it, regret- 
ting at the same time that the important business to 
be transacted in the Grand Lodge to-day has prevented 
the attendance of many sisters who would otherwise 
have taken part in the proceedings. 

'•(Signed) J. W. Kirtox, G. W. S. 

••Town Hall, Xewcastle-on-Tyne, April 21, 1S76." 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 277 

To which the following reply was returned by the 
conference : 

"Resolved, That this first British convention of tem- 
perance women, now in session assembled, heartily 
welcome the delegates from the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land, bearing words of cheer. We thank you. God is 
with us, and we believe a fire is being kindled that will 
never die out. You will rejoice with us to know that 
this conference has resolved itself into a British Wom- 
an's Temperance Association, electing officers from 
the three kingdoms. We have also elected a number of 
delegates to represent us at the International Temper- 
ance Convention at Philadelphia. 'The Lord has done 
great things for us, whereof w T e are glad.' We also 
regret with you that the sittings of the Grand Lodge 
prevent, to a great extent, our having the presence of 
our Good Templar sisters and brethren." 

Letters of greeting were received and read from 
Mrs. S. C. Hall, London ; Mrs.' Josephine E. Butler, 
Liverpool ; Airs. Helen Taylor, London ; Miss Eliza 
Sturge, Birmingham ; Mrs. Dawson Burns, London ; 
Mrs. Hinde Smith, Manchester ; Mrs. Spence, York ; 
Mrs. W. S. Clark, Street, Somersetshire ; Professor 
Edward Wiebe, Hamburg ; Mrs. Dorothy Sturge, Old- 
bury ; the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of 
Leeds ; the Executive of the United Kingdom Alli- 
ance, per Mr. T. H. Barker, secretary ; the Executive 
of the Scottish Permissive Bill Association, per Robert 
Mackay, secretary ; the National Temperance League, 
per Mr. Robert Rae, secretary. 

A telegram was sent to Mother Stewart, reaching 
her as she stood addressing a large ladies' assembly at 
Belfast, to which she responded on behalf of herself 
and the assembly. A telegram was also received from 
the sisters of the Hand and Heart Lodge, I. O. G. T., 
of Hetton-le-hole. 

The meeting closed by passing a resolution request- 



278 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

ing that any ladies present who could attend the forth- 
coming Women's Temperance Conference, to be held 
in London, on the 2 2d of May, would feel themselves 
commissioned as delegates. 

This first convention of the British Women's Tem- 
perance Association was brought to a successful close 
by a public meeting at night, with a very large attend- 
ance. The president, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Scholrield, of 
Newcastle, Mrs. Auty, of South Yorkshire, Mrs. 
Woika, of Glasgow, Airs. Mawson, of Gateshead, Mrs. 
Bevington, of Clay Cross, Mrs. Pumphrey, of New- 
castle, and Mrs. Goudie, of Tynemouth, made stirring 
speeches, evincing a surprising ability to handle the 
various features of the many-sided temperance ques- 
tion, and creating great interest among the hearers. 
Especially was the address of my gentle, lady-like, 
Jewess friend, Mrs. Woika, received with demonstra- 
tions of delight and admiration, proving, as the 
president had said, that there was indeed a mighty 
latent force hitherto locked silently away in the breasts 
of the Christian women of the kingdom only awaiting 
the opportunity to be called forth and utilized for the 
blessing of the world. 

And thus, under the most encouraging circumstances^ 
was realized the hope that impelled me to cross the 
seas, and had buoyed and sustained me in making my 
appeal to my sisters — the organization of the Christian 
women of the British Isles into an association like to 
our own, and with identical purpose — the ultimate 
overthrow of the liquor curse and the emancipation of 
our homes forever from its blighting influence. 

A very pleasing coincident and reminder of this 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 279 

important meeting comes to me as I sit here writing 
on this iSth day of May, 1SS6, of those blessed days 
and incidents, ten years ago. The British Women'' s 
Temperance jfournal comes in, and among the many 
other good things with which it is filled I see the an- 
nouncement of the annual meeting of the B. W. T. A- 
in London, at Memorial Hall, to-day. Know ye, be- 
loveds, that Mother Stewart is to-day in heart with 
you. 

A word of explanation in regard to the name 
adopted by our sisters will be in place here, as it has 
been a subject of wonder that they did not adopt the 
same as ours — Women's Christian Temperance Union. 
Several of the ladies composing that convention were 
Friends, and consistent with their known objection to 
the use of unnecessary titles or names beyond the 
simple name denoting the object of their work, they 
objected to the prefix "Christian." Mrs. Lucas, 
especially, maintained that the word Christian was 
superfluous ; it was, as a matter of course, understood 
that the association was composed of Christian women, 
actuated by Christian principles and motives, and 
therefore it would be as absurd, or at least as super- 
fluous, as to call her society Christian Friends, or to 
designate other denominations as Christian Methodists, 
Christian Baptists, etc. Sister Lucas commanding the 
highest respect, and having unbounded influence 
among her co-workers, the name was settled upon as 
she suggested. 

At Paisley we were entertained in princely fashion 
by Mrs. Stewart Clark, the accomplished wife of the 
world-renowned thread manufacturer, and by her 



280 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

courtesy we also had the pleasure of meeting a number 
of distinguished guests at tea. 

In the afternoon I addressed a large ladies' confer- 
ence in the High Free church, Rev. Hutton, D. D., 
pastor, presiding, rendering valuable assistance and 
giving unqualified indorsement to our work. 

To an American it was not a little amusing to see 
the consternation of the beadle when the pastor led 
the way through the pulpit by a door at the back, in- 
viting Mrs. Parker and myself into his study. The 
beadle declared he would not have dared to do that ; 
that is, desecrate the pulpit by -per?nitting women to 
pass through it. 

In the evening I addressed a very large audience in 
Rev. Mr. Banatine's church, the pastor presiding, Mrs. 
Parker following in a brief address. Mr. Thomas 
Coates, the thread manufacturer, was present at this 
meeting, and expressed much interest in our women's 
work. It is a subject of much thankfulness that both 
Mr. Coates and Mr. Clark are staunch friends of the 
temperance cause. 

Out of our visit to Paisley grew a Ladies' Temper- 
ance Association that very soon enrolled a thousand 
members, composed of the elite of old Paisley, the 
largest ladies' union in the world, Mrs. Clark being 
elected honorary president. A young women's associa- 
tion was also organized in the Anchor Thread Mills 
(Mr. Clark's), Mrs. Clark very graciously taking the 
presidency and oversight of this association also. 

From time to time come cheering reports of the 
prosperity of the ladies' association — for instance, a 
a soiree of great brilliance, attended by one thousand 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 28 1 

guests, including many notable persons from Glasgow 
and other cities. One of the most active members of 
the association, Mrs. Robinson, has since found a home 
in Florida. But wherever her lot may be cast, she 
will find work for the Master, and do it with her 
might. 

As we were being driven home from the evening 
meeting, I remarked to Mrs. Clark that this would be 
a memorable occasion to me, as to-morrow would be 
my sixtieth birthday. "Indeed?" said she. "Why, 
it is also our wedding anniversary, the seventeenth.'' 

Upon descending to breakfast the next morning, I 
found at my plate an exquisite wreath of hawthorn 
and English blush roses, in porcelain. It was the 
season that porcelain jewelry was introduced and be- 
came so popular. There were also offerings of fresh 
flowers and other tokens of kindly remembrance from 
the three lovely daughters — a sweet and touching sur- 
prise in recognition of my sixtieth birthday. Here 
on the wall near me hangs my beautiful wreath. As 
I write, my eyes wander to it, and memory recalls that 
happy occasion as if it were yesterday. Sweet friends, 
you cannot know how much brighter has been my life 
in all these years of toil and trial that have come and 
gone because of your warm love and sympathy ex- 
pressed in so many delicate and touching ways. May 
the richest of heaven's blessings abide with ye alway # 

Yes, sixty years had now been counted off the warp 
of my life, taking with them my childhood, with its 
bright, happy, rollicking days, and its tears ; my youth, 
with its hopes and aspirations ; my maturer years, 
with their labor.s, their cares, sorrows, losses, crosses, 



282 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

afflictions and many dear friends, but not the hope of 
heaven. They have left me age, infirmity, silvered 
locks, yet as the sun approaches the horizon, the West 
glows with the purple and gold — hope of the sweet 
by and by. 

This morning, with Mrs. Parker as comp'agnofi de 
voyage, I took passage in the steamer Gael, for Camp- 
beilton, in Cantyre. A beautiful day and a delightful 
sail. The captain very gallantly placed his private 
cabin at our service, where I snatched the favorable 
opportunity to write to my paper and the weary 
waiters at home. We pass many places of historic 
interest — old Greenock on the Clyde, the Grampian 
hills, Ben Lomond in the distance. Now we are in 
sight of the Dead Warrior, a singular mountain forma- 
tion off to the south-west, in Ayrshire, having a strik- 
ing resemblance, as its outline meets the sky, of a giant 
warrior lying in state. And this is the nearest glimpse 
that I get of the home of Burns. Now I hear the 
strains of a violin floating down from the deck ; a 
Highlander is playing "Yankee Doodle," "Star 
Spangled Banner," and now comes "Home, Sweet 
Home," all in compliment to the American stranger. 
Oh, dear, won't he stop? Why will he go on? Didn't 
he know I was homesick enough for my own, my 
native land and the dear ones there, without that re- 
minder? But I must "tip" him all the same, as if he 
had contributed greatly to my pleasure. 

We were met and cordially welcomed by Rev. Mr, 
Russell, and found a comfortable and restful home at 
the Manse. I noticed with a grateful heart that at 
different points along the streets as we passed the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREA1 BRITAIN. 283 

stars and stripes of my country were waving the 
stranger a cheery welcome. As usual, we had a large 
audience at night, and brother Russell on his own 
behalf and also that of the good people gave me the 
Gaelic welcome — cend ?nile failte — a hundred thou- 
sand welcomes. 

Campbellton is quite in the south-eastern part of 
Cantyre, a peculiar sort of promontory running down 
between the Firth of Clyde and the ocean, and I be- 
lieve has the reputation of being the greatest liquor 
manufacturing town in Scotland. Certainly the in- 
fluence of "the trade" was very discernable in the 
weak condition of the temperance sentiment and the 
timidity of its advocates, our grand brother Russell, 
with a handful of his staunch supporters, always to be 
excepted. 

But we could tarry only for a night, and early on 
the morrow took passage in the mail coach up to 
*Tarbut thirty-seven miles. The road, part of the 
way, lay along the beach, and the obliging driver was 
so kind as to tarry a very few moments, upon the tip 
of a shilling, to allow me to run down and gather a 
few shells at the water's edge, as a souvenir of the 
pleasant journey., At each post-station we found that 
by some means our coming was anticipated, and quite 
a little company of the community was waiting to get 
a look at the woman from America, who had crossed 
the sea to preach teetotalism to the people of their 
country. 

At Tarbut we were met by Rev. Wm. Ross, who 
has since held the honorable office of Right Worthy 
Grand Chief Templar of the world, and brother 



284 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Clapperten, committee on reception, under whose 
escort we took steamer and sailed across to Rothesay, 
on the Isle of Bute. We found a warm welcome, and 
were hospitably entertained by Miss Bucannan. Her 
home was on the side of one of the hills lying back of 
the bay, affording one of the most lovely views I ever 
looked upon. In the afternoon brother Ross gave us 
a charming drive, visiting and pointing out many 
places of interest in and around this old historic place. 

We were met here by sisters White and Bryson, 
who had come down from Glasgow to join us. Then 
we met a company of eighty ladies at a tea meeting 
and organized a large and promising association of 
ladies. I remember with pleasure the profusion of 
daisies and primroses with which the table was 
adorned, the offerings of the dear children to Mother 
Stewart. I have since received very cheering reports 
from this association. 

At night I addressed a public meeting, the place of 
meeting having to be changed because the first hall 
would not hold the people, and then the crowd reached 
quite out onto the sidewalk, and the people manifested 
their gratification in oft-repeated cheers. Miss White 
and brother Ross also addressed the meeting. 

As we, upon our return from the meeting, wound 
up the steep ascent to Miss Bucannan's residence, 
brother Ross halted and called my attention to the 
beautiful, picturesque sight that lay below, wrapped 
in the quietness of night. All sounds of hurrying feet 
or human voice had ceased. The romantic old town 
was lying at our feet in peaceful slumber. Circling 
around the curve of the bay was a long line of lamps, 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 285 

and overhead the all-time lamps of God were shining 
down so brightly, so peacefully. Beautiful, oh, 
beautiful is this earth of ours, and how happy the 
inhabitants of it, were it not for sin! Mr. Moody, 
when in Scotland, visited Rothesay and addressed an 
immense audience down at the quay on just such a 
lovely night as this. 

At eleven o'clock at night we met a party of gentle- 
men and ladies at supper. Some of the gentlemen, 
members of church in respectable standing, manifested 
a strong desire to combat my position as to the wrong, 
the sin of Christians using intoxicants as a beverage, 
thus by their example encouraging the fearful drunk- 
enness everywhere so prevalent. 

It will be seen by the foregoing recital of travel and 
work that " tired nature" was coming into a condition 
to rebel against any further levy upon her resources. 
It will not be surprising, I am sure, if I confess to a 
good degree of nervousness and not a little impatience 
with the kind of flimsy arguments forever reiterated 
by this class of most excellent, but mistaken people. 
Why could they not consider my thirty-seven miles 
stage-coach travel ; by steamer how far ; drive about 
the city, social chat at dinner in regard to our prospects 
in Rothesay ; tea meeting, with nearly a hundred 
ladies ; an address, and helping them to organize ; a 
grand, good, social time at tea, and a lingering after 
for a word with everybody ; the immense meeting at 
night, with no previously-prepared speech, speaking, 
as always, upon the inspiration of the occasion. It 
was now nearly midnight, and I must be up and away 
by times in the morning. I told you a few pages back 



286 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

that yesterday I was sixty years old. But I hope my 
good breeding prevented me from betraying the weari- 
ness and, yes, impatience, I felt. I have hope that 
those dear friends have long since taken higher ground 
on the drink question. 

At an early hour the next morning we took leave 
of our kind hostess and other friends and sped across 
the country to the east. As we ran into Edinburgh, 
I espied the blessed stars and stripes floating over a 
hotel. On arriving at the depot, upon inquiry I found 
I had twenty-five minutes' time, so I hurried into a 
cab and drove over to the Cockburn hotel, where the 
flag was flying, and inquired for the proprietor, Mr_ 
Philps. He came forward, and I explained that I 
had seen the flag of my country floating over his 
house, and had called, thinking possibly there might 
be some American guests there. " Well, yes," he said, 
"there was an Astor, from New York. But," said he, 
"we unfurl it often. We kept it flying to the breeze 
up there when it cost something to do it." I extended 
my hand, saying I was the woman they called Mother 
Stewart, and I wished to express my gratitude for such 
sympathy with my country in her peril. He grasped 
my hand with much warmth. "Why, Mother Stew- 
art," said he, "I was nt your farewell meeting in 
London, and I confess when the preliminary speeches 
and farewell addresses were being made I felt no little 
solicitude lest you might not be able to sustain your- 
self in presence of that audience. Now, Mother 
Stewart," he went on " where are you when you come 
to Edinburgh ? " I answered that I had not yet heard 
from my committee. "Well," he responded, "come 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 287 

to the Cockburn house. No favor to you ; it is my 
favor. I tender you the hospitalities of my house." I 
felt his kindness, and tried in much awkwardness to 
say so, and told him if, when I heard from my com- 
mittee, they had not already arranged for my enter- 
tainment I should be most happy to accept his generous 
invitation. 

Returning to the depot we took the train down to 
Galashields, expecting to address a ladies' meeting 
there in the afternoon. But upon arriving we found 
no committee to meet us, nor could we see any one to 
give us any information. What was to be done? Mrs. 
Parker said transfer at once to the train which was 
lying alongside, and which would take us to Kelso, 
where it was evident our next meeting was to be. We 
accordingly transferred, and the train we left moved 
out. Sister Parker, feeling weary and in perfect 
security that we were all right, laid down to rest. 
But I did not feel quite at ease, and stood looking out. 
At length a gentleman passed, and I accosted him, 
telling him we were uncertain as to our train. He 
hastened away and brought the ticket agent, who 
reached us just in time to comprehend our situation 
and signal our train, which was now getting into 
motion. He told us we were eighteen miles from our 
destination (our meeting that evening was at Kelso), 
and we should have remained on the train on which 
we came in. 

It was now six o'clock, our meeting was at eight, 
and Kelso was eighteen miles away. What was to be 
done? It was our good fortune that the gentleman 
was a Good Templar, and without further words set. 



2S8 • THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

out to order a coach, and in a short time we were roll- 
ing over the road at a brisk gait. 

At the end of the first nine miles we changed horses 
and set out again with fresh spirits. But there was 
no hope of reaching Kelso in time for tea, not to men- 
tion a change of toilet. The tea was not an absolute 
necessity, but after the day's journey the toilet was. 
Fortunately the coach was a close one. ' I requested 
the driver to hand in my valise, and we sped on. At 
a few minutes past eight we reined up at the door of 
the hall, and I walked in and at once to the platform. 
The meeting had just been opened, and there was a 
fine, enthusiastic audience, their enthusiasm being 
much augmented by the report of our exciting ride to 
reach them. 

The dear friends had sent to Dunse and invited that 
devoted Christian minister, temperance advocate and 
author, Rev. W. Ritchie, D. D., to honor the American 
by presiding at the meeting, for which I did feel deeply 
grateful, but could not find the adequate words in 
which to express my sense of obligation. What is the 
reason that in the greatest need one forever finds the 
greatest poverty of language? 

Dr. Ritchie favored me with a copy of his "Scripture 
Testimony Against Intoxicating Wine," a very valua- 
ble work. I also received another highly prized 
memorial of my visit to this place, through the great 
kindness of Mr. Jas. Stewart Hogarth — a valuable 
relic of Sir Walter Scott's, being a pocket memoran- 
dum book with couplets and entries in his own hand. 

We were entertained bv Mrs. Wilson for the night, 



but left early in the morning-, taking the train to Gala- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 289 

shields, where a car was waiting to carry us to Selkirk, 
where the Good Templars, finding themselves unable 
to secure my services for a night meeting, had, at 
much pains and expense, arranged to give us a mag- 
nificent reception in the afternoon. 

At Selkirk we were entertained by Mr. David 
Dobie, a prominent manufacturer. He also drove us 
over to Abbotsford, a few miles distant, where we 
spent only too short a time visiting the home and ex- 
amining the rare collections of rich treasures, once the 
property and pride of the great poet and romancer of 
the border. 

Upon our return we were greeted by a large 
company of Good Templars in the Town Hall, and 
were escorted to the platform where Sir Walter Scott 
had, in times past, sat as justice of the county. 

In the Southern Reporter, of Selkirk, of May 4th, 
is a very full report of this interesting occasion, from 
which I copy the following : 

mother Stewart's visit to the border. 

Mrs. E. D. Stewart (known as Mother Stewart), of 
Ohio, whose name is familiar to many in this country, 
from her devotion in the work of ministering to the 
sick and wounded in the great civil war in America, 
and more recently on account of the prominent part 
she has borne in the woman's crusade against the 
liquor trade in Ohio and other parts of the United 
States, has visited Kelso, Selkirk, Galashields and 
Hawick during the past eight days, and has addressed 
large meetings in all these towns. 

Mrs. Stewart is accompanied on her tour by Mrs. 
Parker, of the Cliff, Dundee, a lady who has taken a 
very active interest in temperance work in this country 
for some years. 



29O THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

SELKIRK. 

A meeting was arranged here on Friday afternoon, 
not so much for hearing an address from Mother 
Stewart as that the admirers of her self-sacrificing 
labors here might have an opportunity of showing 
their grateful appreciation of those labors, and express 
their good wishes to her. Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. 
Parker were to address a public meeting in Galashields 
in the evening, and the meeting at Selkirk was <^n this 
account limited as to time and object. 

The meeting was held in the Town Hall, at five 
o'clock, and although the weather was most unfavor- 
able the hall was crowded, and a very warm reception 
was given the ladies as they entered and took their 
seats on the platform. Mr. Dobie, manufacturer, occu- 
pied the chair, and the proceedings were opened with 
prayer by the Rev. Mr. Lawson. 

An address of welcome to Mrs. Stewart was then 
read by Mr. James McVittie, District Deputy, Selkirk- 
shire, and she was wrapped in a plaid of home manu- 
facture of the " Royal Stewart tartan" by a committee 
composed of the following young ladies : Miss Rachel 
McVittie, Ettrick Forest Lodge ; Miss Jane Miller, 
Flower of Yarrow Lodge ; Miss Georgiana Watson, 
Ebenezer Lodge, I. O. G. T. The following is the 

ADDRESS TO MRS. STEWART OF OHIO, UNITED STATES 
OF AMERICA. 

In this border land we meet thee. 

Gentle lady, we would greet thee, 

With that frankness which is telling 

Of the admiration dwelling 

In our hearts and thence outflowing, 

Paying only what is owing 

To our Cousin, Sister, Mother. 

To this land of song and story, 
To this land where martyred glory 
For the right, the truth and God, 
With the red blood dved the sod, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 3£] 

To this land where sire and son 
Freely fought and bravely won, 
Welcome Cousin, Sister, Mother. 

To this land of classic waters, 
To this land that boasts of daughters, 
Who for conscience firmly stood 
At the stake, by fire and flood, 
From their spirits round us flying, 
Hear we voices sweetly crying, 
Welcome Cousin, Sister, Mother. 

All the pleasanter our meeting, 
More fraternal is our greeting, 
When we know by blood and name 
This grand old land you claim ; 
Linked in lineage to the kings 
Of which Scottish minstrel sings, 
Doubly welcome, Sister, Mother. 

Heard we of thee from afar, 
'Mid the clang and clash of war, 
When freedom to the slave was given, 
By the avenging rod from heaven ; 
By your efforts, rose your claim 
To that dearest, sweetest name, 
Helping, Loving, Mother. 
Heard we of thee form the West, 
When with kindred spirits blest, 
Raised your voices in the air 
To the God of might in prayer ; 
And the answer from above, 
Filled your souls with holy love, 
Then you rose to do or dare. 

Filled with a strength divine, 

You formed that noble line, 

Whose weapons, though unseen, 

Were powerful, sharp and keen; 

Making havoc near and far 

In the famous Whisky War, 

The order of the battle was the Lord's. 

Quick before your army fell 
Those dens of sin and hell ; 



\$2 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Vile prejudice you slew, 
While your courage bolder grew , 
Bloodless victories achieving, 
Manhood's wasted lives retrieving, 
'Twas your mission thus to save. 

Gentle Lady, we do hail thee, 

With our words of cheer regale thee, 

In thy mission to reclaim 

Men and women steeped in shame ; 

On the land or on the sea, 

Count upon our sympathy, 

Loving Cousin, Sister, Mother. 

In the van of progress moving, 
Mysterious problems thou art proving; 
How dark custom's power is broken 
By the lovine word when spoken ; 
Spoken in each thought and deed, 
Wonder not if hard hearts bleed, 
And call thee Sister, Mother. 

In the age when titled name 
Is ambition's highest aim; 
Queen or Empress, Duke or Lord, 
After all is but a word 
Meant to designate dominion, 
O'er illiterate serf or minion 
Perishing at Freedom's call. 

But the endearing name of Brother, 
Or the hallowed name of Mother, 
Touches all our mortal life, 
Soothes the deepest, darkest strife ; 
Kissing all our faults away, 
Knowing nothing of decay, 
Does this royal title — Mother. 

When your feet again shall roam 
In your lovely Western home, 
Thinking of your friends in order, 
Struggling 'gainst the mighty foe, 
Investigating human woe, 
Call us your children on the border, 
And we'll respond, Dear Mother. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 293 

The reporter continues with the following pen 
portrait and sketch of addresses : 

Mrs. Stewart is apparently about sixty years of age 
and of medium stature. Her silvery hair is arranged 
in soft glossy rolls, or puffs, in the manner known by 
American ladies as the Martha Washington style. Her 
manners betoken a lady ot culture and refinement, and 
the impression she gives an attentive observer and 
auditor is that she is a woman of most sympathetic 
nature and tender feelings, and one, moreover, who 
has a strong consciousness of the righteousness of the 
work she has devoted herself to, and thoroughly in 
earnest in its prosecution. 

In rising to acknowledge the tokens of kindness 
that had been presented to her, she said : "My dear 
:iiends, this day is to me one of the days of my life. 
I find myse'f on classic grounds. I have just visited 
the home of Sir Walter Scott, a name very dear to all 
of us ; and now I stand among those who live under 
the shadow of that Abbotsford, and have listened to 
such words of affection and welcome, and have been 
the recipient of such marks of your kindness as I can 
never forget. In my own country, when I may feel 
sad and disheartened in carrying on this warfare ; when 
the clouds may seem to thicken and friends become 
fewer ; and when I may be disposed to say, as I have 
sometimes been ready to say, * I may as well give it all 
up,' I shall feel greatly strengthened when I think of 
dear old Scotland and the kind words and prayers of 
my friends." 

Mrs. Stewart then spoke shortly of the work in 
which she had been engaged in America, and the 
results. It had often been remarked, she said, that 
:he women who had carried on the warfare against the 
drink trade must have had great courage, but courage 
was scarcely the right word. Those who had engaged 
in it were just as delicate and refined and as far 



294 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

from being moved by a spirit of aggression as any 
could be. It was the power of God, the influence of 
the Spirit on their hearts which had caused them to 
go into the work. They had seen and wept over the 
woe and misery produced by strong drink ; they had 
felt bound to consecrate themselves to what they be- 
lieved to be the work of God, and they had been 
enabled to go into the liquor saloons and to speak 
words of kindness which had melted many to tears, 
and had caused the keepers of those places to abandon 
the trade. In hundreds of cases these men had looked 
at the business they were carrying on in the light of 
eternity, and had not only given it up, but many had 
given themselves to Christ and were now engaged in 
other business. 

Mrs. Parker, in a short address, mentioned that in 
the State of Ohio above 2,500 drinking places had 
been closed. As an example of what women might 
do, and were doing in this country, she said that 9,000 
women in Dundee had petitioned the magistrates at 
the late licensing court against any increase of licenses, 
and their petition had been granted. In Glasgow, 
also, a great amount of work was being done. The 
conference recently held at Newcastle-on-Tyne was 
attended by 150 women, many from distant parts of 
the country, who had formed themselves into a British 
Woman's Temperance Association. She believed 
there was a power in the hands of the women of this 
country which God might use to sweep away the drink 
evil from the land, and she hoped the women of 
Selkirk, whom she was addressing, would be disposed 
to unite themselves in an association that would do 
good work in their midst and give strength and en- 
couragement to those who were laboring for the same 
blessed end in other parts of the country. 

The chairman tendered the thanks of the mee'ing 
to Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Parker for their excellent 
addresses, and after formal votes of thanks to them 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 295 

and to Mr. Dobidl for presiding the proceedings came 
to a close. 

In her speech sister Parker said: "When Mother 
Stewart leaves us we will sing, 'Will ye no come back 
again ? ' " quoting from the very popular Scotch ballad, 
" Charlie, will ye no come back again ? " 

When she took her seat, brother Wm. Clerk Baptie 

arose and said he thought he could parody that, and 

sang in a very fine voice : 

Mother Stewart, ye 're welcome here, 
Tae our hearts ye'll aye be dear, 
Tae meet wi' ye we've lang been fain, 
Tae part wi* ye will gie us pain. 

WH1 ye no come back again, 
Will ye no come back again, 
Better lo'ed ye canna be, 
Will ye no come back again ? 

Kind providence designs, we see, 
That we just now must parted be, 
Then listen tae our prayerful strain, 
And say that ye'll come back again. 

Goodbye, God speed ye, Mother, dear, 
We'll meet above if no more here, 
This thought meanwhile let us adore, 
We'll meet in heaven to part no more. 

Now join we in one humble prayer, 

Dear Jesus, do thou aye be near, 

More grace, more strength do thou command, 

Tae rest upon our noble friend. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Galashields— Welcome Address — The Galashields Union — 
Visit to Dryburgh — Hawick— The Orchard — Childhood 
Memories— The Braes of Yarrow. 

AN extra train was put on the road and a large 
delegation went up to Galashields for the evening 
meeting, and here again we were received by one of 
the largest audiences ever held in the town, as reported 
by the paper quoted from in the previous chapter. 
The Rev. J. Pollock presided, and the Good Templar 
band furnished the music. An address of welcome, 
very elegantly mounted on a blue silk background, 
was read and presented by the Rev. A. Brown. The 
address was as follows : 

Dear Mrs. Stewart — The friends of temperance 
and this meeting of the people of Galashields greet 
you with a cordial welcome to the border land of 
Scotland. 

Although until this moment you have been unseen 
by us, you have not been unknown, and we have 
esteemed you highly because your varied gifts have 
long been ungrudgingly employed in comforting the 
sick, the wounded and the dying victims of war, and 
in rescuing thousands trom the drunkard's degradation 
and doom. And now we are delighted to have you 
in our midst. : 

Every heart that loves mankind will be refreshed by 
looking upon one whose name is associated with such 
untiring efforts to succor the perishing, and we have 
all just reason to be proud that one of America's 
representative women, the truest and tenderest 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 297 

"Mother" of the people, Has favored us with her 
presence, her counsel and her smile to-night. 

We trust that that noble crusade against the liquor 
saloons of the West, which you so courageously and 
successfully led, will prove a lasting blessing to your 
people, and teach all who love God in all nations that 
however few and feeble they may be, they are yet able, 
by a courageous faithfulness and a humble reliance 
upon God, to oppose and overcome the strongholds of 
iniquity. 

We again unite in giving you the warmest welcome 
to Galashields. May your presence here and every- 
where you go be a blessing to the cause you love so 
well. May your labors in our land be lightened by 
the love and carefulness of admiring friends. May 
sweet recollections of your visits linger behind you 
everywhere ; and when by the loving guidance of our 
Heavenly Father you are at home once more, may you 
have none but sunny memories of dear old Scotland. 
But go not hence, we beseech you, until you have 
baptized us all, and especially our temperance sisters, 
with a double portion of your spirit, and we are thus 
prepared for carrying on the work of the Lord with 
greatly increased activity and zeal. 

After I had spoken, the chairman said, before intro- 
ducing Mrs. Parker, he wished to say a word or two. 
Mother Stewart's address was truly what had been 
styled "sweet reasonableness." He hoped it would 
have its proper effect. It was of the utmost im- 
portance that influential members of the community 
should give their help in this good work. It was for 
the common good. He was sure the strongest point 
in the address was that when Mother Stewart asked 
them to abstain for Christ's sake. He earnestly wished 
that everv Christian minister in the land was a tee- 



298 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

totaler. If intoxicating drink was banished entirely 
from every home in Galashields, what a glorious place 
it would be ! 

The jusual vote of thanks closed the exercises. A 
woman's meeting was held on Saturday afternoon in 
the lower room of the Public Hall, when over two 
hundred were present. Mrs. Parker presided. After 
devotional exercises, short addresses were given and a 
resolution adopted to form the Galashields Women's 
Christian Temperance Union. A lady president, vice- 
presidents, secretary and treasurer were elected, and 
members of committes appointed with power to add to 
their number by the admission'of additional members. 
The next meeting was announced for the following 
Monday evening. 

Here again, by the courtesy of Mrs. Combat, my 
kind hostess, and a gentleman, I had the pleasure of a 
break in the incessant work by a visit to old Dryburg. 
We drove over a part of the road over which Sir 
Walter Scott frequently rode, and at one point, from 
which was a very grand landscape view, we were told 
he was in the habit of stopping to feast his eyes on 
the beautiful prospect. Over this same road, being 
drawn for the last time, and by his own gentle steeds, 
when they came to the accustomed halting place they 
stopped, as they had learned to do for their master. 
We visited the old abbey and the tomb of the great 
minstrel ot the border, then drove to Melrose, another 
of the many places of deepest interest in this wonder- 
ful land of song and story. Bui always hurried for 
time, there is little more to be said than that we visited 
these historic scenes. Returning, the old Roman road 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 299 

was pointed out to us, still in most excellent traveling 
condition, its history reaching back to Rome's days ot 
glory and conquest. On this evening we were compli- 
mented with a serenade from the Good Templar band. 

Sabbath I was very thankful for a day of rest. 
Monday, May ist, we left for our next place, Hawick, 
where we were met by Mr. Walter Wilson and other 
friends. The meeting was reported by the Hawick 
papers as one of the most successful temperance meet- 
ings ever held in Hawick, the Exchange Hall being 
quite filled and numbers could not obtain seats, not 
fewer than 1,500 or 1,600 being present. The meeting 
was most orderly ; a hushed silence and deep interest 
seemed to pervade the audience. Provost Ewen occu- 
pied the chair, while the prominent ministers of the 
place, «as also many ladies and gentlemen, occupied 
seats on the platform. 

I think I have already said that the chairmen of the 
temperance meetings were not necessarily abstainers, 
but were invited to preside because of the prestige 
their name or influence might give. This was probably 
the case in this instance. I thought I detected a sort 
of condescension in his manner, and if I read him 
correctly a disposition to treat the matter in the spirit 
of a joke. Toward the close of the meeting, when 
the hope was expressed by one of the ministers that 
the Provost might become president of all the temper- 
ance societies in the town, he responded, "If the 
whole company will join the society to-night I will." 
He, however, in his introductory speech, paid a warm 
and just tribute to the temperance societies of the 
town. They had rendered great assistance to the 



300 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

magistrate in keeping order. He did not know what 
Hawick or any other town would be but for the tem- 
perance societies. 

Among the various gentlemen who spoke in moving 
a vote of thanks, seconding, etc., Mr. Walter Wilson 
said, addressing the assembly, he had gone in and out 
among them during the whole of their lives, and he 
might tell them he had made up his mind that, unless 
for medicine, he would never again touch wine, beer, 
spirits or any other such liquor. Intemperance must 
be put down by the individual action of every member 
of society, beginning with the clergy and the 
churches and going through every class in the country. 
He had been on the licensing bench for thirty-eight 
years, and had done everything in his power to lessen 
the number of public houses. He was sorry there 
were still forty-six licensed houses in Hawick. 

Rev. J. Thompson, in speaking to the vote of thanks 
he had proposed to the speakers, also in very felicitous 
Words on behalf of the Good Templars presented me 
with a beautiful tweed dress pattern made in Hawick, 
remarking that he believed there was no "shoddy" in 
it. I was most happy to assure him, in response, that 
I had not found any " shoddy " in Scotland. 

The meeting closed at a quarter past ten, after an- 
nouncement having been made for a ladies' meeting 
for the next day to organize a Woman's Christian 
Temperance Union. 

We were taken by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wilson to 
their beautiful country seat, The Orchard, and enter- 
tained in most hospitable fashion. We were in Teviot 
Dale on the border, and in sight of the Cheviot hills. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN 30 I 

The occasion, the place and surroundings sent memory 
chasing back over the fifty intervening years to the 
days of childhood's romantic dreaming. 

Will my patient reader indulge me while I for a 
few moments withdraw the curtain and give a glimpse 
of my child life? Have I anywhere (no, I think not) 
referred to the very meagre opportunities we had in 
those early days of a new country for acquiring an 
education or indulging our taste for reading? Books 
and papers were a luxury that the most wealthy could 
indulge only to a limited extent. Being early left 
an orphan, I was taken by my father's sister into her 
home and companionship with her little son, a few 
years my senior. We went together to the very com- 
mon school, and we read together, with the voracity 
begotten Of innate hunger for intellectual food, every- 
thing that came in our way. So well do I remember 
the few weekly papers that were then published, and 
how rich we counted ourselves when we came into 
possession of one of these, and how eagerly we read 
their contents, often committing to memory the bits of 
poetry they contained. Our own poets were as yet 
few and unknown to fame. These selections were 
chiefly from the English poets, now classic. One I 
remember with peculiar interest, as it wove itself into 
the castles I in those days was building in the air out 
of fragments from the Scottish Chiefs, the bold Rob 
Roy, Sir Robert Bruce and the sad fated Mary Queen 
of Scots. This poem was entitled "The Braes of 
Yarrow," and written by Dr. Logan, a Scotch minis- 
ter. How we read and re-read and " learned by heart" 
this little poem, I with my vivid imagination making it 



302 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

all real and wishing that I might some day visit that 
old land so rich in song and story ! 

The frame-work in which these days so bright, so 
fleeting, were set was a country home — a red frame 
house set on a gently-sloping hillside, facing the south 
and looking off toward the village a mile away. The 
well, with its rustic curb, picturesque sweep and "old 
oaken bucket," was in the north yard. Just beyond 
was a long line of cherry trees that in the springtime 
were white, and in the summer were laden with their 
wealth of dark red cherries. On the slope of the hil] 
beyond these, and reaching to the top, lay the orchard 
perfuming all the spring air with the fragrance of its 
pale pink and white blossoms, and later yielding its 
rich harvest of apples. Along the lane and reaching 
up over the hill ran a row of rosy-decked peach trees 
that by nature's mysterious transforming hand, as the 
year grew older, delighted the eye with their contribu- 
tion of russet and golden fruitage. 

Ah, me, such juicy, ripe cherries, such mellow 
apples, and such luscious peaches have never grown 
for me since ! The bees hummed and flew in and out 
of their row of hives under the cherry trees, all the 
long, summer days hastening to the fields of clover and 
buckwheat, and returning laden with the rich stores of 
sweets with which they filled their cells for the 
winter's need. 

The wild birds sang and chose their mates and built 
and kept house and raised their families among the 
trees, no one daring to molest or make them afraid. 
The cat-birds cried and quarreled with and mocked 
their neighbors down in the.old prim bushes at the foot 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 303 

of the garden. The doves cooed their plaintive notes 
up in the orchard, the robin and wren, more sociable 
and less shy in their ways, built in the shrubbery near 
the house, while the quail piped and called " Bob 
White" down in the meadow. The whip-poor-will 
wouM come, as the twilight thickened into night, and 
sit on the fence quite too near the house for our youth- 
ful superstitious notions of his boding evil, and 
through the long hours repeat his monotonous refrain, 
"Whip-poor-will, Whip-poor-will," while the lone- 
some owl hooted over in the dark, solitary woods, "To 
who ! to who ! " 

On the bright spring mornings I was awakened by 
the song and twitter of birds, the lowing of kine, the 
bleating of the sheep and lambs, the crowing and 
cackling of fowls and the noisy clamor of geese. And 
among this demonstrative family of farm life were 
two guinea fowls I remember so well that were forever 
going on with their ever-repeated, harsh, unmusical 
notes, "Go backward, go backward, go backward." 

On this second day of May I was awakened by the 
song of birds, the lowing of kine, the bleating of 
sheep and lambs and the cackling of fowls and gabble 
of geese; even the "go backward, go backward" of 
the guinea fowl was mingled in the familiar farm 
concert. The air was laden with the perfume of the 
orchard blossoms, and I was on the banks of the Tar- 
row. And so before I drop the curtain over this 
homely picture, to me so sacred — for all, all that com- 
posed that family of simple, country life, save the 
writer hereof, are gone — shall I give you the little 
song that by the wonderful leadings of Providence 



304 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

was made to live again for me, my childish longings 
being realized : 

THE BRAES OF YARROW. 

Thy braes were bonny, Yarrow stream, 

When first on them I met my lover. 
Thy braes, how dreary, Yarrow stream, 

When now thy waves his body cover! 
Forever now, oh, Yarrow stream, 

Thou art to me a stream of sorrow. 
For never on thy banks shall I 

Behold my lover, the flower of Yarrow. 

He promised me a milk-white steed 

To bear me to his father's bowers ; 
He promised me a little page, 

To 'squire me to his father's towers ; 
He promised me a wedding ring, 

The wedding day was fixed to-morrow; 
Now he is wedded to the grave — 

Alas ! his watery grave in Yarrow. 

Sweet were his words when last we met, 

My passion I as freely told him ; 
Clasped in his arms, I little thought 

That I should ne'er again behold him ; 
Scarce was he gone, I saw his ghost — 

It vanished with a shriek of sorrow 
Thrice did the water wraith ascend, 

And give a doleful groan through Yarrow. 

His mother from the window looked 

With ail the longings of a mother; 
His iittle sister, weeping, walked 

The greenwood path to meet her brother; 
They sought him east, they sought him west, 

They sought him all the forest thorough ; 
They only saw the cloud of night, 

They only heard the roar of Yarrow. 

No longer from the window look, 

Thou hast no son, thou tender mother; 
No longer walk, thou lovely maid, 

Alas ! thou hast no more a brother. 
No longer seek him east or west, 

And search no more the forest thorough ; 
For, wandering in the night so dark. 

He sunk, a lifeless i.orse,in Yarrow. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Edinburgh— Sight-Seeing — Ladies' Union Formed — Meeting in 
the Literary Institute— Visit a Public House— Stirling 
Castle— Alloa— Address the Factory Girls— Dundee — Old 
St. Andrews— Aberdeen— Inverness— Farewell to Scotland 
—Belfast— Letter to the Pittsburgh "Agitator." 

MAY 2d, leaving Mrs. Parker to meet the ladies 
of Hawick and assist them in forming a union, 
I took the train for Edinburgh, where I was met by a 
number of the temperance friends, headed by J. H. 
Waterson, chairman of my committee, Mrs. Prof. 
Kirk, Mr. and Mrs. Darling and others, and taken to 
the Regents hotel. Here I was welcomed most 
cordially, and made to feel myself at home by the 
propr'etor, Mr. Darling, and his accomplished lady. 
A very highly appreciated compliment was the un- 
furling of the dear old stars and stripes on the tower 
of the Regents, where it was kept floating while I 
remained. 

At a banquet, same day, tendered me at the Regents, 
I met a number of representative temperance workers 
and others ; at night a reception at Odd Fellows' 
Hall, where I met all the prominent ladies and gentle- 
men connected with the various temperance organiza- 
tions, and where I received a handsomely illuminated 
address ot welcome and many kind words of endorse- 
ment and cheer. 

Next morning, by special invitation, I took breakfast 



306 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

with Mr. John Hope*, a gentleman known throughout 
Scotland, not only for his great wealth, but for his 
liberal use of it in helping to better the condition of- 
the needy. He has especially taken very great interest 
in the children, organizing and superintending the 
Band of Hope movement in Scotland, which has 
resulted in untold good to thousands of the youth of 
that country. I regret that my limited time compelled 
a brief visit. 

How could I find myself in this beautiful city of 
culture, art and history, without indulging my long- 
cherished desire to visit the noted places of historical 
interest ! By compelling one day to do duty for at 
least two, I was able to take a tantalizing glimpse of 
some of the most renowned places in the history of 
that renowned city. 

By the courtesy of Mr. J. H. Waterson and Mr. 
George Tait I was driven to Calton Hill, Sir Walter 
Scott's monument, the quaint old house where John 
Knox lived, not forgetting a passing glance at the 
famous "Bore Stane" by the wayside, a rough, gray 
stone where James IV planted his standard in 15 13 ; 
then to the cemetery, where lie many of Scotland's 
illustrious dead ; thence passing the cottage once 
occupied by Jennie Deans, made memorable by Sir 
Walter Scott ; up the beautiful drive to the castle cri 
the summit of Castle Hill, overlooking the city and 
surrounding country, presenting a view on which the 
eye might rest forever and not weary. All too brief 



*As I sit proof-reading this chapter, the League Journal comes in 
bringing the news of the death of this remarkable man. And so another 
of the staunchest supporters of our cause has.passed away. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 307 

was the time for exploring this wonderful old castle, 
made renowned by the deeds of valor and cruelty, too, 
in the dim, historic past. The next point visited was 
Holyrood. Of course I visited Queen Mary's rooms, 
looked into the little private breakfast room where 
that fearful tragedy was enacted — the murder of 
Rizzio, the Queen's secretary, in her presence. With 
only a few moments left, I looked into the picture 
gallery upon the faces of the long line of Scottish 
sovereigns and notables. 

At noon I visited Mrs. Prof. Kirk's prayer meeting, 
an institution inaugurated by herself and Mrs. Finney, 
wife of Rev. Charles Finney, president of Oberlin 
College, in my own State, who was at that time, 
August, 1859, visiting Scotland and doing valiant 
service for his Master, always with the co-operation of 
his devoted and wonderfully efficient wife. This 
ladies' union prayer meeting has kept the holy fire 
burning on the altar from week to week ever since, 
and through the earnest prayers, faith and work of its 
high priestess, Mrs. Kirk, and her associate vestal 
virgins, the streams of healing have flowed out from 
the altar here set up in humble fashion, and great good 
has been accomplished, bringing consolation and re- 
joicing to many a weary and heavy laden soul, as the 
little history before me, prepared by Mrs. Kirk, relates. 
I cannot pass on without here recording my grief at 
the news that has recently gone all over Christendom 
of the death of that noble Christian minister and 
philanthropist Prof. John Kirk, husband of the above- 
mentioned elect lady. 

At 5:30 a ladies' meeting convened at Regents 



308 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Hotel, at which a woman's union was formed. Among 
the ladies participating I recall Mrs. Kirk, who was 
made president of the organization ; Mrs. Steel, Miss 
Eliza Wigham, Mrs. Darling, Mrs. Councillor Well- 
stood, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Parker, who had rejoined 
me. 

At night we had a densely-crowded meeting: in the 
Literary institute, south Clerk street, Councillor Turn- 
bull presiding. On the platform were the Rev. Mr. 
Wemyss, Rev. Mr. Adamson, Rev. Mr. Turner, Rev. 
Mr. Dodds, Rev. Wm. Gillespie, Rev. Samuel 
McNaughton, of Nova Scotia ; Councillor Durham, 
Councillor Wellstood, Mr. David Anderson, Dr. Cuth- 
bert, Dr. Bowie, Mr. James Darling, Mr. George Tait, 
Mr. J. H. Waterson, Mrs. Parker, of Dundee, and 
several other ladies and gentlemen. A deep interest 
was kept up to the close, the audience manifesting 
their appreciation by frequent rounds of applause So 
many were turned away for lack of even standing 
room that a morning meeting was announced to ac- 
commodate these. 

At the close of the meeting I was taken by Mr. 
Waterson, Mrs. Prof. Kirk and a few others to visit 
one of the more prominent public houses, which was 
still in full operation, and had rather an animated 
conversation with the proprietor ; but of course 
nothing resulted from the visit, and nothing was ex- 
pected except the information I was able to pick up in 
regard to the trade, intrenched as it was. not only 
behind the law, but the social customs of the people 
and the sanction of the church, the latter the most 
potent influence of all. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 309 

In the course of a brief, but most eloquent speech at 
this evening meeting, Rev. Mr. Adamson had said, 
" Let Mother Stewart not tell it in America that out 
of a hundred office bearers in the various churches of 
the city eighty are publicans." In this regard I found 
that we of America were far in advance of the friends 
of that country, but much valuable work has been 
done in the years since, and great progress made 

The next morning, May 4th, we held a meeting as 
per announcement the evening before, then visited a 
" Ragged school," founded by the noted divine, Rev. 
Thomas Guthrie, in 1847, anc * I understood was still 
under the patronage of his daughter. Undoubtedly this 
was a most beneficent institution in that land, a means 
by which the very poor might receive some germs of 
an education. But I could at once see that however 
great the poverty and ignorance of any portion of our 
population, such an institution could not find a place 
with us. Our free school system, and more, the ideas 
of independence, begotten of our form of government, 
however crude, so permeate all classes that the very 
lowest would rebel at being designated as "ragged 
school" children, though the rags might hardly hang 
together on their backs. Then again, there was a dull 
sort of stolid indifference, lack of animation or in- 
terest depicted on their countenances that to me was 
quite pathetic. In this I am not criticising either 
persons or institutions, but in talking to the poor little 
fellows I was painfully struck with their apparent in- 
difference or inability to comprehend, or, to use one of 
the slang expressions of our own, to "catch on." The 
veriest street Arab in our country would have been 



3IO THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

alert and seen the points, or fancied he did, and would 
have given expression, whether in the right or wrong 
place would have been of little consequence. 

So with all the grand institutions of the country 
across the seas that I admire, and the grander people 
that I love, and with so much in our land that I wish 
were better, I have to say that my own is the land for 
the poor man. But with the all-powerful influence of 
liquor in the business and political world, with the 
influx of the debased and ignorant population of the 
European countries and their false conceptions of our 
institutions, personal liberty, communism, who can 
prophesy how long it shall remain the land where 
either poor or rich shall find protection from anarchy 
and misrule? 

At noon we left for Alloa, having been escorted to 
the train by a large company of friends, from whom I 
parted with tears, " sorrowing most of all " that in all 
human probability I should not, on the shores ot time, 
clasp their friendly hands or look into their faces 
again. Passing through Stirling we took advantage 
of a brief waiting for train to visit the old Castle ; 
saw the room where the fated Douglass was assassin- 
ated by King James and thrown from the window to 
the court below. I stood where Mary Queen of Scots 
had stood and looked off upon the beautiful landscape 
upon which her eyes had once rested ; then turning 
to the north and east I looked off over the historical 
Bannockburn. It was a little interesting to a foreigner 
or "outside barbarian" to notice the sectional feeling 
still existing after the long lapse of centuries. My 
friend Mrs. Parker, though at this time a resident of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 311 

Scotland and married to one of the bravest of Scots, 
is by birth, and evidently by attachment, English. 
Her criticism of the Scots for digging the pitfalls in 
the boggy ground and covering carefully with sod, 
which played such sad mischief with the English 
mounted soldiery, showed very plainly which side 
claimed her sympathies. 

But the train is here and we are off to our work. 
Reaching Alloa we are welcomed and most kindly 
entertained by the Rev. Peter McDowel and his 
daughter, an earnest and active worker in all channels, 
and whose object is the lifting up of humanity. I am 
sorry to add this devoted and venerable minister to 
the list of my dear friends who have since passed over. 

After tea we met a goodly company of the repre- 
sentative "Christian ladies of the town. Hce Miss 
White, coming down from Glasgow, joined us. An 
incident, one among the happy of my life, and that 
always associates itself with my visit to Alloa, was 
the reception of a letter from my well beloved Mrs. 
F., at home, telling the sweet, old, old story, how after 
long searching everywhere after the truth, struggling, 
praying, she had found sweet rest and peace in be- 
lieving on the Crucified One. Oh, what rapture filled 
my soul, for I had been one of a secret band that 
was praying for her, and had always known that only 
this one thing she lacked. Always beautiful in charac- 
ter, always known for her alms deeds and large 
sympathy for all worthy objects, how has her life shone 
out in all Christian graces in these following years ! 

At night a very large meeting ; twenty-one signed 
the pledge. By permission of the manufacturers, on 



312 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Friday morning at 9 130 we met a large company of 
factory girls and addressed them for half an hour. 
At 10 we organized a ladies' union. At 1 -.40 we set 
off for Dundee, were entertained at tea by Mrs. Hen- 
derson, and in the evening I addressed an interesting 
meeting of Juvenile Templars in Rev. Mr. Ewin's 
church. 

Saturday I was very glad to find a day off, and 
taking advantage of the near vicinity of old St. 
Andrews, with Mrs. Parker and members of her 
family visited the old historical and college town. We 
looked at the monument, cathedral and castle, and 
peered over into the vault, or underground dungeon, 
where for a time John Knox was imprisoned in the 
days of intolerance. 

Sabbath evening I addressed a large audience in 
Rev. Milligan's church, this being my last in Dundee ; 
Monday evening at Broughty Ferry again ; Tuesday, 
May 9th, at Brechin ; was here joined by Mrs. Woika, 
whom the Glasgow ladies had commissioned to ac- 
company me to Aberdeen and Inverness. Of the 
meeting at Brechin I have but an indistinct recollec- 
tion. I find a brief memorandum saying audience 
large, but hard to move. I do, however, remember 
that I was entertained by a good artist who it seemed 
had been told that for such hospitality to the lecturer 
he should have the opportunity of a sitting with what- 
ever might accrue from sale of the photographs. I 
suopose it was an entirely reasonable and fair arrange- 
ment, but the chief personage in the case had not been 
consulted, and not liking the notion of sitting for pho- 
tographs, and feeling very weary and really prostrat- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 313 

ed, the result — well, I am just as sorry for that good 
man as I can be, but am very sure he found little sale 
for his pictures. 

Wednesday, May ioth, we set off for Aberdeen, the 
granite city, my impression of it being that of al- 
most shining brightness from the light, glistening 
granite of which it is built and which gives one the 
idea of a very clean city, but imparts also a sort of 
cold impression. We were entertained at the Forsyth 
Hotel, a temperance house, and, it need not be added, 
a model house, so orderly and homelike. By courtesy 
of the friends we were driven over the city, and in the 
evening met a large company at a tea reception, Mr. 
Cook, an active and prominent temperance advocate, 
presiding, and again at night at a very large public 
meeting composed of a respectable class of citizens of 
that very respectable old town. 

Among other of the gentlemen who took prominent 
part in the exercises was Rev. Alexander Stewart, 
author of "A Practical Bible Temperance Commen- 
tary," a work of intrinsic value, evincing much study 
and research, but written in such plain, perspicuous 
style as to be within the comprehension of all. I 
count myself highly favored in possessing a copy 
through the generosity of the author. And I felt 
very much inclined to claim relationship with the 
reverend gentleman, as I fancied there was quite a re- 
semblance — it might be accidental — to my husband's 
family, whose ancestors were from some of the Stew- 
arts of Scotland, as my mother's were originally from 
the Gutheries. 

Thursday morning, at 7 o'clock, we started for our 



3 X 4 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

last engagement at Inverness and arrived at i o'clock. 
Were entertained at the Waverly Hotel, another tem- 
perance house. Inverness is situated in the midst of 
one of the most beautiful and picturesque portions of 
northern Scotland, as, by the courtesy of Mr. McDon- 
nald, we were enabled to see in a charming drive. 
Our coming had been very extensively advertised, and 
parties came from long distances to attend our meet- 
ing. 

Dr. Munroe, a genial and kindly gentleman, super- 
intendent of the Hygienic Institute of Forres, came up. 
I am sorry to have learned since of his death. Among 
others a large party of Dingwall, some twenty miles 
distant, chartered a boat and came over. 

Towards meeting time I was called to the window 
to see the Juvenile Templars in their regalia and with 
banners marching to the hall. They made a very fine 
display. The Rev. J. J. Black presided. Mr. Black 
was a remarkably genial and witty gentleman — I 
would like to say jolly, if it were admissible in speak- 
ing of a minister. Upon entering the hall I found my 
little Juvenile Templars occupying the front seats, a 
wide-awake, intelligent class of boys and girls, and it 
pleased me to give my attention largely to them in the 
course of my lecture. Here a poor fellow found his 
way into the hall, having recently visited the public 
house to his own disadvantage. Whether the public- 
ans had sent him in or not, I do not know, but he adver- 
tised himself by asking some not very relevant ques- 
tions. When some of the gentlemen started to take 
him out I requested them to let him remain, as it 
seemed quite evident that the publicans had sent him 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 315 

in as a specimen of the work the trade was turning 
out in their town. This is the only case of the kind 
in all my meetings in Great Britain. 

At the close of my address I introduced Mrs. Woika 
as a daughter of Abraham who had accepted our 
Christ as hers. Her appearance was that of a gentle- 
woman, rather tall and slender, of softest, gentlest 
manners. Her voice was low and musical and with a 
foreign accent just sufficient to attract attention and 
increase the interest. The audience listened with the 
profoundest attention, and of course the impression 
was delightful. 

As soon as the meeting was closed a young man 
sprang onto the platform and asked to be presented to 
the speakers ; said he was a Jew, was the only one in 
the city, and was greatly delighted to meet one of his 
own people. He was a Good Templar and apparent- 
ly a very worthy young man. He accompanied us to 
the hotel and Mrs. Woika at once opened up the great 
and important question, " What think ye of Christ ?" 
and they continued the discussion until one o'clock, or 
rather she continued to present Jesus as the "Hope of 
Israel," and to plead with him to accept Him as his 
Savior. The next morning early, with other gentle- 
men, he was on hand, as we had to leave on the early 
train for Glasgow, and at once Mrs W. again took up 
the theme of the previous evening. At length she 
arose and, as she went to the organ where Mr. Brown 
was playing, said, " I am praying for you," and with 
Mr. B.'s assistance sang the sweet song of which the 
above words are the refrain. As the song ended she 
knelt and offered a very touching prayer for our young 



316 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

friend, I and Mr. Brown following, Mr. Smith th& 
while standing with bowed head and solemn mien. 
As we passed out I took his arm — he had asked me to 
adopt him as my son — and asked him if he could not 
accept Jesus of Nazareth as Him for whom Israel was 
looking. He answered, " I am thinking seriously of 
it." Whether the answer was given only because he 
thought it would give me pleasure or in sober earnest- 
ness I do not know, but I hope wherever he is to-day 
he may have found " What a friend we have in Jesus.'' 
Reaching the depot, among others we found three 
plethoric, portly men standing together and looking 
with a great deal of curiosity at the stranger, evidently 
trying to make out to what species of the genus homo 
she belonged, that she dared to invade all their hith- 
erto undisputed domains and in such free manner of 
speech hold up " the trade" to Christian people as the 
"sum of all villainies." The friends pointed them 
out to me and in whispers told me who they were. I 
felt quite inclined to have a little conversation with 
the gentlemen, but my friends were very much startled 
at the bare idea. This little, apparently insignificant 
incident impressed me more than ever with the power 
of the traffic over the minds of the people. The uni- 
versal sway they had gained through the centuries, 
the drinking habits of nearly all the people, the power 
they had through the protection of the law, and 
through the disposition that the class distinction culti- 
vates, to look up to people who have acquired or in- 
herited high position, have tended to overawe the peo- 
ple and to more firmly enthrone the liquor power in 
its fastnesses. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN 317 

Thank the Lord, in this land one important result 
of the temperance agitation has been to brand the 
making and selling of liquors as disreputable, and 
whoever engages in it has reason to expect that he 
and his family will lose caste in society. 

Down by rail through the Highlands to Glasgow 
again, a journey to think of as the years come and go. 
A very pleasant farewell tea at Mrs. Stewart's, presi- 
dent of the union, meeting for the last time a select 
few of the dear ladies who had called me to Scotland 
and had with so much earnestness and love co-ope- 
rated with me and made my visit a delight and a 
sweet memory for life, as well as a success for the 
cause of temperance, I am glad to believe. Oh, bon- 
nie Scotland, farewell ! How sweet has been my 
association-with these sisters beloved ! How bright 
have been the days, made so by their ever watchful 
care and love. The tears ran down a flood as I bade 
them farewell — farewell, as I thought, forever. 

Again, by the kindness of the ladies, Miss Bryson 
was my companion. We took the evening train down 
the Clyde and the night steamer across to Belfast, 
where we were entertained by Mrs. Boyle, principal 
of a young ladies' seminary. 

We addressed a ladies' conference meeting at noon 
in Dr. Knox's school rooms. Then having been met 
by Mrs. Richardson we took train for Moyallen 
House, Mr. John Grub Richardson's country seat. 
Here at this elegant Christian home I got another 
delightful glimpse of the home life of the Irish gentry. 
But as I find a letter that I wrote to the Pittsburgh 
Agitator of my visit to this beautiful country seat and 



318 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

to Mr. Richardson's manufacturing town of Bessbrook, 
from the latter place, I think the reader will prefer 
that I give that, rather than my memory of the visit 
at this distant date. 

Bessbrook, Ireland, May 16th, 1S76. 

Dear Agitator — Did you ever think what were the 
feelings of that historical dove as she wandered up 
and down over the waste of waters, not finding a spot 
of ground on which to rest the sole of her foot? And 
again, what must have been her feelings of rest, secur- 
ity and satisfaction when she returned to the ark in 
safety ? 

I have had a realization of something of that nature. 
I, too, have been wandering up and down this old 
kingdom by the seas endeavoring to preach righteous- 
ness, temperance and judgment to come, everywhere 
finding this enemy of souls, strong drink, enthroned, 
intrenched behind his fastnesses, except, indeed, one 
district in London, the Shaftsbury estate, and a simi- 
lar district in Liverpool. Everywhere liquors sold and 
drank, and the result, all according to law. What an 
abandonment of feeling ! What a restfulness came 
over my spirits on Saturday last as I was driven into 
the estate of Moyallen, the home of a Christian gen- 
tleman, the well known philanthropist, Mr. J. G. Rich- 
ardson ! No discontent, no wretched poverty mani- 
fest among his tenants, because they are governed in 
righteousness and there is no liquor there. As you 
near the place the difference is apparent in the well- 
clad and happy children, who rush out with eager, 
smiling faces for the expected tract or picture paper 
Mrs. Richardson is accustomed to distribute in pass- 
ing. This home, in this quiet, retired spot, is indeed 
a paradise. Comfort, refinement and luxury, without 
the ostentation which gives a sense of oppressiveness. 
True hospitality, so kindly dispensed by this noble 
man and not less noble lady and their beautiful familv. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 319 

I hive left dear old Scotland with aching heart and 
tear-stained eyes. But my ever-thoughtful sisters in 
Glasgow, still mindful of my comfort, have again sent 
my dear Miss Bryson with me, who is here one of our 
party ; and it was, too, a source of great happiness to 
meet here that renowned country-woman of mine, 
Caroline Talhot. Mr. Porter, also of our party, is a 
young gentleman, a J. P. of Lettenkenny, county Don- 
egal, a staunch friend of temperance and devoted 
Christian. Sabbath evening we held a service in the 
neat little chapel near the mansion. 

Yesterday we took private conveyance across the 
country, some twenty miles — having a fine opportunity 
to see the country and the peasantry — to this estate, 
where are the flax mills and the model community ; 
the model, certainly, for the world. A population of 
between four and five thousand inhabitants. Health, 
morality, prosperity, order, happiness prevail. "In 
Ireland? "-you exclaim. Even so, in Ireland, such a 
community, and carrying on one of the most extensive 
linen manufactories in the world. 

This place is owned by Mr. Richardson. An estate 
of six thousand acres, belonging to an Irish nobleman, 
came into market, and Mr. Richardson bought it, both 
as a money investment and to put into practice his tem- 
perance and philanthropic principles. It is now twen- 
ty-five years since this community and these mills were 
established. There are over four thousand hands em- 
ployed in the mills, a large proportion being women 
and girls ; and though I have seen many operatives, I 
never saw a better dressed, more tidy and contented 
set of people than these. Well may they be happy 
and grateful, for if they were not here, thus employed 
and cared for, they probably would be on the streets 
in idleness and rags, if not in sin and shame. There 
are twenty-two thousand spindles, five hundred power 
looms and sixty hand, whirling and roaring here, day 
in and out throughout the vears. No strikes, no dis- 



320 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

content or complaining, no policemen needed here, no 
station house. Panics, even in the financial world, do 
not cause a ripple on the surface of this establishment, 
because the foundations are laid in temperance and 
equal justice to all. Many of these operatives have 
handsome deposits in the bank. The children are well 
educated and trained in the schools. I could not help 
telling my friend that I thought the children a good 
advertisement, so well clad, well fed and well man- 
nered do they appear compared with the peasants in 
other localities. While the owner is a Friend, there 
is nothing of the sectarian about him. His great ob- 
ject is to be a faithful steward of the Lord in promot- 
ing the happiness and prosperity of those under his 
charge, and hence, here in close proximity, are the 
Friend's meeting house, the Presbyterian, the Roman 
Catholic and Methodist churches. The children at- 
tend the Sabbath-schools and the elder portion public 
service on the Sabbath. 

But how wonderful are these great powerful en- 
gines, working with such tremendous force, yet with 
the softest, smoothest action. One could easily imag- 
ine that they had inte'ligence, and the illusion is 
heightened as you pass among the busy looms and see 
the v rious patterns in perforated paper hung up, and 
the looms, apparently without other aid, duplicating 
these in the finest damasks and diapers. 

Ah, but here is a beauty that arrests the American 
and rivets her attention. A marvel of fine linen and 
fine silk, accurately growing before your eyes into the 
historic group of William Penn and the Indians in the 
memorable treaty. The sentence woven at the mar- 
gin, "The on!y treaty not ratified by an oath and never 
broken." Wonderfully familiar looks the benignant 
face and broad brimmed hat of the founder of "Penn's 
Woods." And you may smile if you will, when I tell 
you that the stars and stripes so accurately brought 
out in the delicate material, held in the eagle's talons, 




Mrs. WOI^A, 



Lecturer B. W. T. A. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 32 1 

and sweeping down on either side of the group, caused 
the tears to spring to my eyes. 

This thing of beauty — and I warrant the royal table 
of the Queen is not spread with a more exquisite speci- 
men of the weaver's art — is being woven with all pos- 
sible dispatch to be sent to the Ladies' Department at 
the Centennial Exposition, now opening in Philadel- 
phia. There are several more in all linen to be sent 
also, as a present to the Ladies' Bazar, and one is by 
the generosity of Mr. R. presented to your humble 
correspondent, which she hopes to get in time to put 
upon exhibition at our International Temperance con- 
vention to be held in Philadelphia next month. I also 
have the honor of conveying to the convention and 
presenting in Mr. Richardson's name fifty table-cloths 
to the Good Templars, woven in a pattern expressly 
for that order. 

The linens, sheetings, table-cloths, pocket handker- 
chiefs, etc.* manufactured here have a world-wide rep- 
utation for their superior, excellence, and are eagerly 
sought for in all the markets. Say the merchants of 
York, Leeds, Manchester, you may buy these goods in 
the dark, for they are made upon honor. 

Bessbrook, called "Happy Valley," is a neat village 
of stone cottages and villas, with broad, even and orderly 
streets, surrounded by gently sloping hills divided into 
small green fields, the fences of which are the well- 
trimmed hawthorne hedge, now bursting into bloom. 
The mills are also of stone, four stories high, the main 
building being five hundred feet in length. There is 
also a fine quarry of granite on the grounds, which em- 
ploys two hundred or more men. This manufactory 
is sending out to America — Chicago and other cities 
— tombstones, pillars, etc., of very superior quality. 

You may say, dear reader, " Mother Stewart has 
gone into one of her enthusiastic strains over this 
'Happy Valley' she has discovered in old Ireland." I 
can only say, Come you and see it, and you, too, will 



322 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

sing its praises, and that of its founder, in more elo- 
quent strains than I am able to command. And who 
would not sing such praises after a long weary labor 
of months among the drink and its consequences? 

Here, wrought out, is the problem of prohibition and 
its results. No crime, no pauperism, no jail or police 
station, no sound ot the policeman's tread ever heard 
on the streets. But lest I may weary you, my patient 
reader, I will close this account, over which I could 
linger and write almost a voiume of facts and inci- 
dents of deepest interest, with a few statements given 
me by W. H. Porter, J. P. of Lettenkenny, County 
Donegal. He says : Population, 2,500 ; public houses, 
29 ; police barracks, 2 ; policemen, 26 ; workhouse, 120 
inmates ; lunatic asylum, 200 inmates. Bessbrook, 
4,000 ; no public house, no policemen. A temperance 
sermon in two brief, eloquent sentences needing no 
comment. 

I have passed over a space of travel, work and deep- 
ly interesting experiences fcr the time, to give vent to 
my overflowing feelings of restful happiness that I 
have experienced since coming into this little sheltered 
harbor from the storms of intemperance that rage all 
over this, as well as our own land ; and all the result 
of the working out, by one God-fearing man, of the 
great principle inculcated by our Divine Teacher, 
"Love thy neighbor as thy self." 

We had a very good meeting at night. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Meeting at Newry— Dublin— In the Slums— Foxrock— Bray 
—Cripples' Home— Back to Dublin— Liverpool— Last Pub- 
lic Meetinc — Farewell Breakfast— Homeward Bound — 
Meeting at Swanton, Vt— Philadelphia— A Centennial 
Tea Bell— Home Again— Welcome Reception. 

THE next day (15th) we drove to Newry and were 
entertained in very elegant style by Mr. Henry 
Barclay and lady at the Glen, their beautiful suburban 
residence. At night we had a large, enthusiastic 
meeting in the Assembly Hall, Exchange Bank. 

Wednesday, 17th, we took the train for Dublin, 
were met by the Misses Edmondson, and were enter- 
tained at a tea meeting by the Good Templars. A 
public meeting was held at night in the Town Hall, 
Rathmines. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Mr. 
Eagle ; Mr. Cummins opened the meeting. Two or 
three reporters took their places just in front of the 
platform, and as they were adjusting themselves pre- 
paratory to "taking me" or impaling me on the point 
of their steel — pens, I noticed one nudge his neighbor 
with his elbow and point to a paper he had spread out 
on his knee. I knew by the movement that it was a 
report of a speech I had delivered somewhere else, and 
he had provided himself with it expecting to have 
good fun simply keeping tally with the paper before 
him. As we proceeded, however, I noticed that he 
lost sight of, or gave up, his attention to the paper on 
his knee. 



324 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

It had not occurred to me, till I saw the little tele- 
graphing of this reporter to his neighbor, that any one 
supposed I was simply repeating one speech all over 
the kingdom. I am aware that I am rather singular 
in this regard, but I have never been able to see how I 
could make one set, or written, speech fit into all 
places, and meet the needs ot all communities alike. 
My presumption was that each town or community 
had its own peculiar characteristics and needs, and to 
do them the greatest amount of good I must, if possi- 
ble, find out those characteristics and try to aid them 
in the direction of their special needs. And so, up to 
that time, I had no written lecture or " piece" com- 
mitted to repeat. While the main great principles of 
total abstinence and prohibition and many facts per- 
taining to the subject apply everywhere, yet there are 
conditions, influences, customs in each community that 
especially affect and influence that particular place, 
and must be handled fearlessly by the speaker if he 
proposes to leave a beneficial result on his hearers. I 
have, in later years, written lectures, occasionally, on 
special subjects or for special purposes, but in my 
general work I have trusted, as above indicated, to the 
needs of my hearers and the inspiration of the hour. 
And many has been the time it has been said to me, 
"Mother Stewart, you must have been inspired ; you 
just hit our case here exactly." 

I found the Irish, as on my first visit, enthusiastic and 
demonstrative, and ,was on this occasion received with 
such hearty applause that the first expression that 
sprung from my lips was, " Ireland forever ! " a senti- 
ment they accented with renewed expressions of favor ; 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 325 

and so at once speaker and hearers were on the best 
of terms, and even though the truth I essayed to give 
them may have been more forcible than elegant, for 
I dealt the hardest blows I could at the church that 
threw the cloak of respectability around the manufac- 
turer and dealer in liquors by allowing them to belong 
to the church, vehemently declaring that the church of 
God could not prosper while such men were tolerated 
in it, I was, nevertheless, vehemently cheered. 

At night we were entertained by Mr. Thomas 
Webb, and in the morning Mr. W. very kindly drove 
me out, intending to show me some of the beautiful 
sights and grand old buildings of the city. He was 
evidently very much disgusted when I resolutely de- 
clined to visit the best, and begged to be driven into 
the hardest, most wretched and poverty-stricken quar- 
ters. Very little did he know of the self-denial it 
required on my part to forego an opportunity that was 
being presented by his thoughtful kindness, for the 
first and last time in my life, to drive through the 
magnificent streets and visit the buildings and places 
of historic interest in that old Irish city. 

But in accord with my theory and method of work 
above explained, I preferred to seek the abodes of 
wretchedness and misery and come. face to face with 
the footings up of the liquor curse in the heart of old 
liquor-cursed Ireland. I was billed to address an 
audience of ladies that afternoon and a public assembly 
at night, at which would be gathered the representa- 
tive men and women of the city, and I proposed to 
bring them a message from the lowest depjths of 
misery, if I could find it. I proposed to stand face to 



326 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

face with Irish poverty and misery and look into its 
eyes, and I did. Woe is me ! What rags, and dirt 
and ignorance and wretchedness and misery ! What 
gaunt want and besotted degradation ! I alighted and 
went among them and into their poverty-stricken 
homes, bare walls and dirt floors, and how the} 
thronged about us to hear what we had to say, one 
great, stalwart, young fellow running by the carriage 
repeating, "We'll dhrink yer health, mum; we'll 
dhrink yer health, mum," with the expectation that 
we would of course give him a shilling with which to 
do the same. When I told him to give up his drink, 
save his shillings and come to America and make of 
himself a worthy and respectable man, he responded 
very eagerly, "Indade, mum, and I'd loike to go to 
America." 

Among the throngs of women that gathered was a 
tall, lank specimen that continued to repeat, "We're 
nothing but wild Irish ; we're nothing but wild Irish, 
jist." She certainly, in her own person, exemplified 
the fact. Many, many of them, with Irish character- 
ises, pronounced blessings upon me and wishes for 
my safe return to my own country, which reminded 
brother Webb that one, under such circumstance in his 
own case, ejaculated, "May ivery hair of yer head be a 
tallow dip to light yer sowl to glory ! " 

In the midst of our strange interview the priest came 
hastening along. It was a curious spectacle to see the 
awe and reverence at once manifested by the motley 
group as they solemnly dropped the courtesy as he 
passed. As my early education had been sadly neg- 
lected in this direction, I was not able to share with 



THE CRUSADER IN' GREAT BRITAIN. 327 

these specimens of degraded humanity in their rever 
ence for a mortal man ; but I was very eager to get a 
a word with him in regard to the drink curse that had 
brought them to this degradation in which I had found 
them. So I hurried along by his side and questioned 
him as to what was being done for them in the direc- 
tion of temperance. I may safely presume that the 
good man had never before in his life met with so 
startling a little episode. I have no doubt that it 
quickened his pulse ; it certainly did his footsteps, as 
he apologized for his haste and bade me good-by. The 
dear, good father did not know that some, at least, of 
his brethren in my own country had indorsed and 
commended " Mother Stewart," and that in London, 
as I have already said, one gave me a warm invitation 
to address his people. 

After the evening meeting, which was a large one, 
we were driven out seven miles to Foxrock, Mrs. Mary 
Edmondson's beautiful country seat, where again I had 
a sweet taste of Irish country life. Upon awaking 
the next morning, I found the bright May sun shed- 
ding its revivifying influence upon all nature, and tree 
and shrub and flower were basking in its life-giving 
beams, and all animated life seemed to be holding a 
grand symphony of praise for the very blessing of exist- 
ence. How bright was the sky, how green and soft 
the sward ! Beautiful, beautiful Ireland ! 

Being booked for the watering place of Bray, eight 
miles distant, for three o'clock, the 19th, we made up 
a party of four, including Miss Edmondson, Miss 
Bryson, a lady whose name I cannot recall, and myself, 
making the complement, besides the driver perched on 



328 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the seat in front, for an Irish jaunting cart — to an 
American a very novel means of transportation in 
which, or rather on, which the traveler sits with face 
toward the side, right or left, of the road as he may 
happen to be on the vehicle, feeling all the time as if 
he must inevitably fall face forward to the ground, yet 
bravely holding his place while he is transported over 
the ground at an incredible rate of speed. Brother 
Collings, of Liverpool, told me, if I remember cor- 
rectly, that he had done eighty miles in a day in, or on, 
one of these curious little machines. 

How I love to linger in sweet memory over that 
bright May day's journey and experiences ! The air 
was ambient and bracing, the skies deep blue and far 
away. Every tree and shrub was hung with dew 
drops, aglow and shimmering in the sunlight like 
myriads of sparkling diamonds. The well-trimmed 
hawthorne hedges were just bursting into bloom, 
lading the air with rich perfume. The birds were 
vying with each other on their highest keys and 
sweetest notes. We rolled over roads smooth and 
level as your parlor floor, through grounds of wondrous 
beauty, and passed country seats indicating wealth, 
ease and refinement in the highest degree. Ireland, 
beautiful emerald of the seas ! 

I remember I was talking with a man one day, in 
my yard, of the beautiful scenery and the cultured, 
refined people I had met in Ireland. An Irish laborer, 
being at work near, heard me, and soon after came 
around to the kitchen door under the pretext of a 
" dhrink of wather," but really to get me to say some- 
thing more about his country. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 329 

"An' you were in ould Ireland thin, mum?" "Oh ? 
yes." "An' is it a noice counthry, mum?" "Oh, yes, 
beautiful ; the green isle of the ocean." "An' sure, 
an' did ye see any shmart people there, mum ? " "Yes, 
indeed, as cultured and refined as I ever met in my 
Kfe." "Now, indade, mum, an' they ain't all loike 
these that come over to this counthry?" "Oh, no, 
certainly not." "Well, now, mum, ye are a leddy of 
good jedgment, so ye are ; I see it by the shape of yer 
head, mum. You have a good head, mum." And he 
went away greatly comforted over the thought that he 
had found at least one who had discovered that Ireland 
was not entirely peopled by such as the ignorant, hard 
toilers and hard drinkers that everywhere in this coun- 
try represent it, unfortunately much to its discredit. 

As we drove into the town we passed a most re- 
markable little procession which seemed to be wending 
its way to the church. It was a company of little 
people, led by two ladies, laboriously getting over the 
ground, some on crutches, others with the help of 
canes, and others limping along as best they could.* 
When we reached the church I was both surprised and 
pleased to see them occupying the front pews. They 
greatly enlisted my attention, and I addressed myself 
chiefly to them, and they cried and I cried ; am not 
sure but everybody else did. They sang, by my 
request, at the close, "Sweet by and by." 

They were the inmates of a cripples' home in the 
town. The patroness and superintendent, Mrs. Sulli- 
van, was invited by our hostess, Mrs. Henry Webb, to 
meet us, with other friends, at dinner. And after 
dinner we visited her interesting charge. The poor 



33° THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

little things were standing as we entered, leaning on 
their crutches and canes, and gave us a warm greeting. 
What an exemplification of the power of Christian 
love and devotion was here ! This little company of 
something like a hundred of the poor, neglected, 
friendless little sufferers — many of them made so by 
the drunken cruelty of their parents — here found 
shelter, motherly care and training, and many, by the 
careful nursing they received, were greatly improved 
in their condition. The little girls had their knitting, 
tatting or crocheting, and the boys some little employ- 
ment suited to them, such as fret-work, in which they 
seemed to take great pride. I selected and wanted to 
pay for a piece of work done by a little fellow that, 
when he came into the home, was not able to stand on 
his feet, but now was able, by assistance of his crutch, 
to stand at his bench and do really beautiful work, 
but Mrs. S. said, "Oh, no, Willie will only be too 
happy to present it to you." 

When the holiday season came I remembered my 
little friend Willie at the Cripples' Home. When the 
present reached him, the first, probably, the little 
fellow had ever ret eived, he exclaimed, in the exuber- 
ance of his joy, "Oh, ma'am, mayn't I write to the 
lady?" and soon came a nice little letter that I have 
filed among my most highly prized, in which he said 
our visit had resulted in Mrs. Sullivan's forming a 
Band of Hope in the home, and they each had their 
cards hung by their cots. Mrs. Sullivan also added 
that it had resulted in herself becoming a teetotaler, 
and also in her organizing a Ladies' Praying Union in 
the citv- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 33 1 

I was told, while there, that this devoted lady was 
the wife of a sea captain who was lost at sea, and that 
she only escaped with her life, and had thereafter de- 
voted herself to the service of the Master, and had 
conceived this commendable work to which she was 
giving her time and means. 

We drove back to Dublin, and with our friend 
Caroline Talbot addressed a meeting in Friends t 
meeting house. As a result, I learned that at least one 
good Friend declared that henceforth he was a total 
abstainer. This may seem rather a surprising state- 
ment, as we in our country understand the Friends, as 
a matter of course, to be total abstainers ; but I found 
that here many good Friends, as well as professors of 
the various other churches, were not. 

We took steamer at night and crossed over to North 
Wules and ran up to Liverpool, passing in sight of old 
Snowden and castles and places of interest that to 
have visited would have been a rich treat. 

Again I found a warm welcome at brother and 
sister Colling^'. On Monday my faithful fellow 
traveler, Miss Bryson, left me to attend Friends' yearly 
meeting in London. I spent a few days in last visits 
with the Friends, and in preparation for leaving. 

Liverpool having given me my first reception, upon 
my arrival in the kingdom asked to give me the last 
farewell, and I took great pleasure in going back from 
Ireland for my final leave-taking. On Wednesday 
evening, May 24th, my last public meeting was held 
in Liverpool, brother Collings presiding. Brother 
Kempster, of the Good Templar's Watchword, Lon- 
don, who had come down to be present and to give me 



332 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

his last farewell, spoke. Sister Parker, having joined 
, me here to visit America as one of the delegates of the 
British Woman's Temperance Association, also spoke, 
as did several others. The audience was very large 
and apparently much interested. 

At eight o'clock Thursday morning, May 25th, the 
farewell breakfast was given at Y. M. Temperance 
rooms, presided over most appropriately by brother 
Collings, who had presided at my reception. A large, 
select company was present. The farewell address 
was read and presented by Mr. J. Patterson, J. P. Mr. 
Patterson also proposed the following resolution, 
which was seconded by Mr. W. H. Newett, and sup- 
ported by Messrs. T. Ollis, M. Bebbington, J. 
Pritchard, Rev. S. Todd (Liverpool), R. P.J. Simp- 
son (West Chester), and J. Kempster (London), 
which was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved — That the temperance friends assembled 
at this fare we 1 1 breakfast to Mother Stewart, repre- 
senting the Good Templar Order, Ladies' Association 
and similar organizations of Liverpool, heartily thank 
her for her unwearied and self-denying labors through- 
out her visit to promote the spread of temperance. 
We rejoice because the very many meetings she has so 
ably addressed have been so well attended, and pray 
the seed she has sown may, by Divine blessing, beai 
much fruit. We wish her a safe and pleasant voyage 
home, and trust England and America, always united, 
may spread the blessings of truth and soberness. 

My committee, ever thoughtful of my comfort and 
pleasure from first to last, retained the farewell ad- 
dress, which is in beautifully illuminated type, encir- 
cled with the photographs of the nine gentlemen of 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 333 

my committee, had it elegantly framed and forwarded 
to me. Here it rests over my mantel, always a sweet 
reminder of my visit and of the hearty co-operation 
and support of these noble men and the thousands of 
the true men and women all over the kingdom. 

I take pleasure in recording the names of my com- 
mittee, and wish I could thus record the names of all 
the friends with whom I labored and whom I learned 
to love so dearly ; but their names and their record 
are on high. 

MY LIVERPOOL COMMITTEE. 

J. B. Collings, Dist. C. T. 

Nathaniel Smythe, Dist. Councillor. 

Richard Lambert, Dist. V. T. 

M. Bebbington, Dist. Sec'y. 

T. H. Williams, Dist. Supt. Juvenile Templars. 

W. H. Newett, Dist. Treas. 

Rev. Stephen Todd, Dist. Chap. 

John Pritchard, Dist. Marshal. 

Geo. Whitehead, Past Dist. Deputy. 

At 3 p. m. a committee of gentlemen and ladies, in- 
cluding brother Kempster, who remained to see me 
off, accompanied me to the steamer, and I do not 
forget, among the number, my little pet Carrie Col- 
lings, who declared she was "going part way to 
America with Mother Stewart." Here is her photo- 
graph on the mantel. Ah, me, how the time flies ! 
My little Carrie is now a young lady. 

As brother Newett stepped back to the tender, he 
waved to me and said : "A cablegram has gone out to 
Mr. Stewart that you sail on the Persia at 3 o'clock." 

Farewell, dearly -loved friends. How tender and 



334 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

true you have been ! God bless you alway. And deai 
old England, I am receding from your shores, but "I 
cannot see them ; the blinding tears well up and 
obstruct my vision. Oh, the greetings on that ever- 
green shore that I am anticipating with the dear co- 
workers whom I have learned to know and love so 
dearly, all over this and my own country ! And I am 
nearly there. 

We are once more on the tossing billows, sick, 
miserably sick, but buoyed by the thought that I am 
"homeward bound." A gale catches and buffets us 
for some two days. A gale is a successful inst'tution 
for breaking the monotony of a sea voyage. 

On Sabbath we held a gospel temperance meeting 
in the steerage, when nineteen signed the pledge. 

Reaching the shores of my native land in safety, we 
were running down from Montreal towards New 
York, when J. Bennet Anderson, an English temper- 
ance evangelist, came aboard and insisted upon our 
stopping off and helping him at Swanton, Vermont, 
in a Good Templar county meeting. There was a 
large mass meeting at night, where 125 signed the 
pledge. Thursday, June 8th, we went over to St. 
Albans, and there brother Anderson, sister Parker and 
self addressed another large mass meeting. 

On June 10th we reached Philadelphia, being met 
and welcomed by Mrs. Wittenmyer, Mrs. Dr. Elizabeth 
French, of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Rev. Albright, of 
Ohio. 

Of the successive deeply interesting meetings of the 
various temperance organizations of all lands, it is not 
necessary for me to write here, as a very full history 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 335 

of this International Temperance Conference was 
published by the National Temperance Society and 
Publication House, of New York. 

But as an outgrowth of the crusade and of my 
message to our sisters of Great Britain, it is in place 
to mention the formation, on this occasion, of the 
Woman's International Christian Temperance Union, 
Mrs. M. E. Parker, of Dundee, Scotland, being made 
president, with a very full list of vice-presidents in all 
parts of the world. For some reason this organization 
was not made very effective. It has, however, in more 
recent years, been superseded by the World's Woman's 
Christian Temperance Union, of which Mrs. Lucas, of 
London, England (who has since joined the blood- 
washed throng beyond the river), was the first 
honored president, and Miss Willard first vice-presi- 
dent, Mrs. Clement Leavitt being our first messenger 
to prepare the way for this round-the-world combina- 
tion of women, from whom we are expecting great 
results in the spread of our gospel of purity, sobriety 
and peace over all this green earth, and the ultimate 
overthrow of the kingdom of this great beast of intem- 
perance that has hitherto slain and devoured almost 
without let or hindrance. 

As the finale of this very interesting gathering, we 
give the following report of the International Temper- 
ance Breakfast : 

A committee of friends of temperance, of Philadel- 
phia, consisting of Rev. D. C. Babcock, secretary of 
the Pennsylvania Temperance Union, as chairman, 
Mrs. Wittenmyer, president national W. C. T. U., and 
others, gave a breakfast in honor of the delegates from 



336 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BR1TA1M. 

abroad, in Horticultural Hall, on Thursday morning, 

June 15th. About four hundred guests sat down at the 

tables. After the singing of 'the doxology, blessing 

was invoked by the Rev. A. A. Miner, D. D., of 

Boston, president of the Massachusetts Temperance 

Alliance. At the conclusion of the breakfast, James 

Black, Esq., president of the Pennsylvania Temperance 

Union, was called to the chair, and welcomed, in a 

brief address, the guests from abroad. 

The following poem, written for the occasion by 

Mrs. A. C. Swanson, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was recited 

by Miss Minnie Mosher : 

A CENTENNIAL TEA-BELL. 
1876. 
Come over, Mother England, 

And take a cup of tea ; 
"Come one and all," the " port " is open, 

Our flags meet o'er the sea. 
No more the tea-pot boils in wrath, 

It bubbles now good cheer ; 
Come on, to arms and hearts wide open, 

In loving welcome here. 
Come over, Mother England, 

And take a cup of tea ; 
Come, let us give you filial greeting, 

Plenty of room have we. 
There's " North room," Maine, " South," Florida; 

For naps, a prairie lea ; 
You'll lunch beyond, in "West room" Golden, 

Then hurry back to tea. 
Come over, Mother England, 

And sit with us at tea ; 
So much we have now to " talk over," 

So much of what should be. 
Your boys and ours need mothers' prayers, 

And sisters' earnest hands ; 
There's heavenly work to do together 

To save our Christian lands. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 337 

Come over. Mother England, 

Our festal hour to share. 
Then pray with us at twilight holy, 

God, His right arm to bare ; 
So fathers, sons, in might shall thrust 

Man slaying from the door ; 
So weak ones, dying, law betrayed, 

Swift witness bear no more. 

Come over, Christian women 

Of all lands, to our home ; 
And let us pray the Master " quickly" 

His kingdom sweet may come ; 
Let hearts commune, faith clasp with love, 

Sisters of Jesus, we 
Will sit in heavenlie's, and the Lord 

Christ at our supper be. 

J. H. Raper, Esq., of England,. Rev. Robert Simp- 
son, of Scotland, and Mr. Ripley, ol England, re- 
sponded to the " Tea-Bell." 

Mrs. Margaret E. Parker, of Scotland, was intro- 
duced and expressed her cordial greetings to her sisters 
in America, and her deep interest in the work in 
which they were engaged. 

The Rev. Dr. Miner, of Boston, responded to "The 
Old Bay State and Temperance" ; Thomas Cook, Esq., 
the English tourist, to " Temperance in Travel ;" Rev. 
J. B. Dunn, D. D., of Boston, to "The Church and 
Temperance" ; Mr. Justice Broomhall, of London, to 
•'Queen Victoria" ; Mrs. Reese, of Ohio, and Mrs. 
Foster, of Iowa, to " Our Lady Visitors from Abroad" ; 
and Mother Stewart, of Ohio, to the sentiment, 
''United we Stand, Divided we Fall." 

The following telegraphic message was proposed 
and adopted by a rising vote, to be forwarded to Queen 
Victoria ! 



33§ THE CRUSADER I.N GREAT BRITAIN. 

To ^jieen Victoria, London: 

Long live Victoria, queen, mother and patron of 
the church temperance soriety. 

From the International Temperance Convention, 

Philadelphia. 

Other brief addresses were made by Rev. Dr. Burns, 
of Halifax, Mr. Raper, of England, Mr. A. M. Powell, 
of New York, Rev. D. C. Babcock, of Philadelphia^ 
and others. 

The Buell family, of Maryland, contributed some 
good temperance music. 

The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the 
ladies' in charge of the entertainment, and the bene- 
diction by Rev. G. K. Morris, of New Jersey. 

HOME AGAIN. 

From the Springfield Republic I copy the follow- 
ing : 

Return of Mother Stewart from England — Public 
Reception at High Street M. E. Church — Address 
of Welcome by Judge E. G. Dial — Account of her 
Work by Mother Stewart — Remarks by C. M. 
Nichols, Editor Springfield Republic. 
Friday evening, June 23d, was selected as the time 
for giving to Mrs. E. P. Stewart — widely known at 
home and across the sea as "Mother" Stewart- a pub- 
lic welcome on her return from Great Britain, and the 
exercises occurred at the High Street M. E. church. 

A heavy rain fell early in the evening, and many 
were, no doubt, prevented from attendance by it, but 
nevertheless there was a goodly number of good peo- 
ple present. 

The pulpit of the beautiful audience room was most 
tastefully and profusely decorated with June roses and 
other flowers. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 339 

That excellent and active Christian lady — Mrs. 
Bishop Morris — presided. Scripture was read and 
prayer offered by S. B. Smith, pastor of High street 
church. 

Judge E. G. Dial then read extracts from Liverpool, 
London, Dublin and Glasgow papers, to show how 
warm and general had been Mother Stewart's welcome 
abroad, and then in the following address gave her 
greeting and warm welcome back to America : 

"Mrs. Stewart: — Your friends, neighbors and fel- 
low-citizens are here this evening to greet you and to 
congratulate you on your safe return, and to express to 
you by our presence our sympathy with you in the 
grand work in which you are engaged, and to assure 
you again, if further assurance is necessary, that you 
have and ever shall have our co-operation and our 
prayers. 

"You have stood within the shadow of royalty, and 
doubtless the queenly heart bade you God-speed. Hon- 
orable men and honorable women gathered about you 
glad to take your hand, and with glowing words to 
welcome you to their shores ; and the crowding thou- 
sands cheered you on with their unbidden applause, as 
a worker for them — for humanity. 

"Nor were the multitudes abroad your only audi- 
tors. Many, very many in this land followed you in 
spirit beyond the great waters, and when your recep- 
tion and influence and success seemed complete their 
joy was alike complete. The good, the benevolent of 
the British Isles called to you, 'Come over and help 
us.' They desired counsel, instruction and direction 
upon the treatment of a great question — a question 
involving the well-being of millions for time, for eter- 
nity. 

"England has her great minds whose highest studv 
and work are to develop and strengthen all good, and 
to seek out means and methods for the world's amel- 
ioration. But the 'inhabitants of the isles' on this oc- 



340 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

casion passed by their own great, and their own 
House of Stewart, having passed away, they called to 
us, saying, 'Send us the Mother of the Stewarts that 
we may hold counsel with her.' And how many 
heavy hearts have been lightened, how many high re- 
solves have been formed, how many lives have been 
reformed and started toward the better land as the re- 
sult of your visit abroad, will be known when the 
book is unsealed. 

"And now that you are here with us, shall it again 
and forever be said that a prophet is not without hon- 
or save in his own country? Should there be no words 
of cheer to greet you, no hearts of appreciation to 
meet you among those who know you best? Yes, 
they are here, who stood at your side in your and their 
great work, and their presence is more expressive of 
their regard and love than any words of mine can be. 

"When a youth I used to read admiringly the words 
of that old Latin poet addressed to his imperial patron 
as the highest compliment that the poetic mind could 
invent. Literally rendered they are, 'May you return 
late into heaven.' There is a tinge of selfishness about 
this, but we will adopt the sentiment, including the 
selfishness, and may you long remain with us in labors 
of love, and, though late, be surely in heaven when 
'life's fitful fever is past.' And now in the name of 
all present, and of your unnumbered friends not here, I 
bid you welcome home again." 

Mother Stewart, who had been sitting on the plat- 
form, was then introduced. Very little change in her 
appearance since she left. 

The word sympathy, as uttered by Judge Dial, had 
touched her heart and affected her to tears. 

When she went onto the vessel for Liverpool, she 
felt lonely, but God raised her up friends. A party of 
gentlemen coming on board and calling for wine very 
politely tendered her a glass ; she declined it, but upon 
the gentleman urging it upon her she at length told 



THE CRUSADER TN GKEAT BRITAIN, ^ I 

them that she was "Mother Stewart." The leader of 
the party, ex-government architect Mullett, begged 
her pardon and became a fast and serviceable friend. 
A* the steamer lay outside the bar at Liverpool a dep- 
utation came aboard inquiring for her, and she became 
a willing prisoner. 

At Liverporl, London, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin 
and elsewhere she was kindly cared for, relieved of 
routine business, correspondence, etc., and left entirely 
to the platform duties. 

Everywhere she was greeted by very large au- 
diences, addressing, on some occasions, three and four 
in a day. 

The great mass of English people drink, and only a 
small portion of even Christian people are total ab- 
stainers. It was Mother Stewart's mission to try to 
enlist the Christian women in the great temperance 
reform. 

Mrs. Stewart spoke of the first British Women's 
Temperance Conference held at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 
April 21st, of a Temperance Conference at Belfast 
which she attended by invitation of the Irish Temper 
ance League, and of the International Women's Tem- 
perance Convention recently held in Philadelphia. 
Mrs. Stewart made a very interesting address, and it 
was listened to with the closest attention. 

Mrs. Morris then called upon C. M. Nichols, who 
said that we should try to get a proper appreciation 
of the field abroad and of Mother Stewart's work in 
England. 

Our cousins across the water sometimes accused us 
of self-conceit, and as our veins are full of British 
blood we can safely own up and then return the com- 
pliment. 

John Bull thought he was about right, and he was 
very firm in his notions. He drank beer and stronger 
liquors. Even pious and devoted men and women did 
so, and drinking habits were much more prevalent 



342 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

there than in America. So extensive was the evil 
that it affected most seriously and disastrously the 
commercial interests of the country. It could not be 
otherwise, when . in a time of remarkable financial 
pressure the men who lacked food and fuel expended 
in the aggregate many millions a year for drink. 

God sent Mother Stewart across the sea to stir up 
these good Christian people to do their duty in putting 
down this evil. Her mission abroad and at home was 
that of an agitator. She was a Wendell Phillips in 
crinoline, and here in Springfield she would doubtless 
have something to say sometimes that we might not 
relish. Yet we must confess that the most active 
might do more in the good work, and if Mother Stew- 
art should still continue to treat us, as in the past, to 
her heroic doses of stimulant, he trusted we should 
have Christian grace enough to take our medicine and 
profit by it. 

There was good music at this meeting by a choir, 
led by Mr. Jason W. Phillips. Mrs. Joseph Cathcart 
and Mrs. John Foos occupied seats on the platform. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Delegate to the World's Grand Lodge— Bon Voyage Reception 
—Sail on the Bothnia — Glasgow— Prison Gate Mission — 
Edinburgh— Meeting Friends— Conversazione— Carrubber's 
Close Mission— A Day of Days. 

FOR many years I had cherished the hope that the 
way might again open for me to visit Great 
Britain, and again meet those grand co-workers from 
whom I had received such warm welcome and co- 
operation in my work. But the busy years went on 
until age and failing strength began to hint me, "Your 
hope is vain ; it is now too late." 

I find myself, however, through the favor of my 
Heavenly Father and the kindness of my beloved 
sisters, able to add another chapter. 

At our national convention, held at Atlanta, 
Georgia, November, 1890, I was honored by being 
elected fraternal delegate to bear the greetings of the 
National W. C. T. U. to the R. W. Grand Lodge of 
Good Templars, which, met in Edinburgh, Scotland, 
in May, 1891. 

And though slowly coming up from a serious illness, 
the result of a hard campaign in mid-winter, and with 
the frosts of seventy-five fierce winters upon my head, 
the opportunity was gratefully embraced. 

When the time of leaving neared, I was happily 
surprised to learn that my ever thoughtful friends, 
irrespective of church or party lines, had arranged to 
tender me a farewell and bon voyage, a condensed 



344 THK CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

report of which I select from the various city papers 
of the next day. 

By Waters Still, O'er Troubled Sea, it is God's Own 
Hand That Leadeth Thee, Mother Stewart — May 
His Counsel Guide, Uphold You, May Love's Ban- 
ner Float Above You— God be With You 'Till We 
Meet Again. 

Never, possibly, in the history of an eventful and 
historic life was the proud respect and warm and fond 
love of the citizens of her chosen home more heartily 
and universally exhibited than at the " bon voyage'* 
reception tendered Mother Stewart last evening at 
Temperance Hall. The capacious and handsome hall 
was crowded to its utmost capacity by representative 
citizens to testify, if only by their presence, to their 
respect and veneration for an exalted character, 
Springfield's beloved and venerated daughter, the 
courageous mother of a historic movement which 
swept the country like a whirlwind. The warm words 
pronounced by the speakers of the evening, the splen- 
didly executed vocal and instrumental music, and the 
well-written and well-spoken original poem, all 
proudly and properly laudatory of Mother Stewart, 
found a ready and hearty echo in the hearts of the vast 
audience — in a word, Mother Stewart's "bon voyage" 
reception was a tender, respectful, heartfelt, even tear- 
ful good-by and God-speed to the white-haired, be- 
loved, great-souled, renowned temperance worker. 
The exercises were preceded by a 

PUBLIC RECEPTION 

at the hall, all uniting in an informal hand-shaking to 
Mother Stewart, who, next Tuesday, as the national 
representative of the Women's Christian Temperance 
Union, sails across the sea to represent the United 
States in the meeting of the World's Grand Lodge of 
Good Templars at Edinburg, Scotland. The regular 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 345 

program of exercises followed after the reception, as 
given t-elow. 

Mbllier Stewart, mother of the crusade effort to 
abolish the saloons of the country, sat on the rostrum 
with a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Those who 
occupied positions on the platform beside her in whose 
honor the reception was given were Rev. S. P. 
Dunlap, of the First Congregational church, who was 
in charge of the exercises ; Hon. A. R. Ludlow, Rev. 
J. B. Helwig, D. D., of the First Lutheran church, C. 
M. Nichols, Esq., secretary of the Board of Trade, R. 
S. Thompson, Esq., editor New Era, Rev. Mr. Barnes, 
of Central M. E. church, and others. 

After the reception, the exercises opened with 
congregational singing, "He Leadeth Me," led by 
Mrs. W. R. Horner, with Miss Jeanette Leutz at the 
organ. Rev. Mr. Barnes followed in an eloquent in- 
vocation pleading to the God of battles and seas for a 
safe and pleasant voyage to the venerable and honored 
lady who is soon to cross the waves. The Fisk quar- 
tette followed in a well-rendered selection, which was 
heartily applauded. 

After the song, Rev. Mr. Dunlap, in a few appro- 
priate remarks, introduced the first speaker of the 
evening, Hon. A. R. Ludlow, who said: "I know 
Mother Stewart's great desire is to help her fellow- 
men. I have heard her on the platform and have seen 
her in the streets praying and pleading for the eleva- 
tion of humanity. I have heard of her in England on 
a grand mission, where she is soon to go again. 
Mother Stewart, go and discharge the duty imposed 
upon you, and (turning and taking her by the hand) 
we bid you God-speed." 

Mr. B. B. Mclntire followed with a flute solo most 
artistically executed. Mr. C. M. Nichols came next 
with a thoroughly characteristic address. He said : 
"Mother Stewart seized upon a great idea seventeen 
years ago, and she is one of the most prominent 



346 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

personages to-day who were identified w : th that greU 
Christian movement. Mother Stewart's text in that 
great struggle was, ' We cannot reform men without 
reforming them from the foundation, and we cannot 
do it ourselves alone, but must look to a higher power,' 
and Mother Stewart sticks to that text to this day." 

The Horner family added greatly to the interest of 
the occasion by a thoroughly enjoyable number, "The 
Tourist's Gallop," by Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Horner and 
little sons, George and Lawrence. 

Mr. R. S. Thompson then read telegrams and ex- 
tracts from letters of prominent people throughout the 
country, bidding Mother Stewart bon voyage, among 
which was Miss Willard's letter to the World's Grand 
Lodge of Good Templars, to which Mother Stewart is 
delegate from the National W. C. T. U. ; also letters 
from Mrs. E. J. Thompson, of Hillsborough, Mrs. H. L. 
Monroe, president State W. C. T. U., H. A. Thomp- 
son^. D., chairman of the Prohibition State committee. 

The reading of the letters was followed. by an ad- 
dress by Rev. J. B. Helvvig, D. D., who expressed the 
wish that Mother Stewart would visit John Knox's 
house, in Edinburgh, and from the window over the 
street speak to the people in behalf of reform, as Knox 
did in his time, tie closed with a few eloquent 
personal remarks to Mother Stewart. 

Miss Henrietta Moore followed with an address 
most eloquent a- d beautiful, and in deeply touching 
words bade Mother Stewart good-by and bon voyage. 

After another selection from the Horner family, 
Rev. Mr. Dunlap introduced the editor of the New 
Era, Mr. R. S. Thompson, who made a brief address, 
interesting and practical and always to the point. 
Miss Stella Duvall followed in an original poem of 
much power, most effectively delivered. Dr. Dunlap, 
in a few well-chosen words, full of love and pathos, 
presented Mother Stewart with a beautiful bouquet, the 
g-if t of Mrs. Lillian Houck. a member of her Bible class. 



THE CRUSADER IJM GREAT BRITAIN. 347 

Mother Stewart arose to respond. It was several 
moments before she was able to speak, the demonstra- 
tion overpowering her. When she did begin her voice 
trembled, and she was almost blinded with tears. She 
said : "Friends : — I thought I could keep myself com- 
posed and my feelings under control while attempting 
to answer to the warm words of appreciation so kindly 
and eloquently spoken, but I cannot. I have gone 
over my own country to and fro, and also across the 
seas, and have had more enthusiastic ovations than my 
friends at home have ever known of; I have had all 
the recognition one could ask. No demonstration ever 
given me, however, has touched my heart as this. I 
have not the words to express my appreciation of the 
honor you have shown me. When called into this 
blessed work it was with no thought of future honors 
that might come to me, but for the single purpose of 
saving my fellowmen from the curse that is ruining 
them by the ten thousands. I went to Europe fifteen 
years ago, believing that the Lord sent me, for the 
curse over there is infinitely worse than here, and it is 
bad enough here, and notwithstanding all our efforts 
it is growing worse very fast. I am going into the 
warlare again, trusting in the Lord as I did before. I 
go encouraged by your presence here to-night, and by 
your words of cheer, feeling assured that you will 
present me as you go before the throne. I do not 
know what is before me ; I may be looking into your 
faces for the last time. If these .shall be my last 
words, I can only reiterate, fight on, fierht on ! Oh, 
my brothers, think of the 800 young men who went 
into the saloons of this city in one hour, one night 
recently ! Go and try to save them. God bless you, 
clear friends. While the Lord gives me life I shall 
^tand in this great battle where you have always 
found me." 

After the meeting Mother Stewart was besieged 
with friends, and many affectionate farewells were 



348 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

taken. We here insert the original poem by Miss 
Stella Duvall : 

We have crowned with laurels and jewels 

Queens of music, of beauty, of art 
Those who hold in their hands magic power 

To open the door of the heart. 

In our midst here to-night is one royal, 

Her crown — the white roses of years; 
And the homage we bring her is heart-love, 

Mingled smiles, tender wishes and tears. 

To her we have given the title 

Most sacred, " the queen of the home ; " 
By the holy name Mother we call heV — 

Word exalted to Heaven's high dome. 

Most worthy is she of the feeling 

Her name stirs in every breast, 
For by her and her God-given mission 

Our land — nay, the world — has been blest. 

In the strength of her womanly courage, 

With a mind and a heart all aflame, 
With love to God and her fellows ; 

Toward the great curse of rum, full of blame 

With the grand motto waving above her, 

" For God and our Home and our Land," 
She has led forth to battle and triumph, 

Our thrice blessed white ribbon band. 

We meet here to-night to bid God-speed 

To her who so faithfully strove ; 
On this side she leaves home and kindred, 

On the other her greeting is love. 

'Tis her efforts have given existence 

To the mission that calls her away ; 
Tho' the farewells are*spoken with sorrow, 

Duty's call she must ever obey. 

Farewell and bon voyage, dear Mother ; 

When the ocean between us rolls blue. 
We will cherish as fondly as ever 

Your labor and mission so true. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 349 

In company with my two nieces, Miss Campbell 
(my private secretary) and Mrs. Dr. Holmes, and with 
the loving words of my dear friends spoken at my 
bon voyage stored away in my heart, to be drawn 
upon as antidote for sea sickness, and a possible touch 
of home sickness, too, I left home on the nth of May, 
and on the 13th we took passage on the Bothnia for 
Liverpool. It was a pleasure here to join Mrs. M. A. 
Woodbridge, our other delegate, and her party, Miss 
Robins and M'ss Smith. The weather was very fine, 
and the sea never more complaisant, seeming to be 
especially benign to the inexperienced voyagers ; not 
to all, though I do not know what I have ever done to 
old Atlantic that he shall forever hold such a grudge 
at me. While not so spiteful as on my former passage, 
he was enough so to prevent my enjoying much of the 
social pleasures of ship life. 

We fell behind time, notwithstanding the weather 
was so fair, and consequently were a day overdue at 
Liverpool, landing on Saturday, 23d, at 3 p m., too 
late for the afternoon train to Glasgow. But upon 
consultation it was decided to take the midnight train 
and spend the Sabbath in Glasgow rather than in 
Liverpool. 

Here we parted with sister Woodbridge, she going 
out to Chester fa** the Sabbath, and thence to London 
to attend the British Woman's Annual Conference. 

Upon arriving at Glasgow we were met by an es- 
cort sent by my friend Miss White, and were driven 
to her hospitable home, where a warm welcome again, 
after the lapse of years, awaited me. 

After a few hours' rest. Miss White took us to the 



35O THE CRUSADER 'IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

Prison Gate Mission for the afternoon service, which 
is held every Sabbath with the inmates. This institu- 
tion is the outcome of the visits of Miss White and 
Miss Bryson to the prisoners on the Sabbath, to read 
the Word, talk to and pray with the women incarce- 
rated there, a privilege granted by the city officials to 
these two Christian ladies exclusively for many years, 
though of late it has been extended to other ladies 
also. At length, having seen that many, indeed near- 
ly all, of those wretched women thus incarcerated were 
in for "drunk and disorderly," and that being turned 
out at the expiration of their sentence and having no 
place to go they inevitably drifted back to the public 
house, whose doors are forever open though all others 
may be shut, and perhaps in a few hours again were 
remanded to prison, and thus their poor blasted lives 
were put in oscillating between the public house and 
the prison, it was laid upon Miss Bryson's heart to 
provide a home or shelter for such as would accept 
the provision with the conditions involved. In due 
time, with earnest work and prayers and tears, it grew 
into a veritable home, and for years has indeed been a 
haven to many a poor sin-tossed, homeless soul. One 
such I noticed that Sabbath with the deep lines that 
time and sin and sorrow had left on her face, and with 
whitened locks, evidently nearly as old as myself, that 
Miss White told me was one of the most competent 
dressmakers she ever knew, and could make good 
wages all the time, but she begs them to let her stay 
there ; . she cannot trust herself with the accursed 
drink within her reach. 

What a season was that Sabbath afternoon with 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 35 I 

those seventy -five or eighty poor inmates. From their 
nice, tidy, though of course plain, apparel and their 
serious and reverent attention, it was very evident 
that the discipline was of the most perfect kind, and 
more, that a holy, religious atmosphere pervaded the 
institution. Miss White had invited Miss Wallace, 
organizer for the Scottish Women's Association, to be 
in attendance and open the services if we should not 
be there on time, and she was speaking when we ar- 
rived. Miss W T allace is the daughter of Rev. Alexan- 
der Wallace, D. D., and has for years been his devoted 
and efficient helper in his very large parish. 

The ladies of the Scottish Association have been 
most fortunate in securing her services as organizer. 

When Miss White introduced me and I came to 
stand before these women, ranging as I have said from 
women nearly as old as myself to mere young girls, it 
was with difficulty that I could control myself from 
utterly breaking down ; my heart did swell and send 
up a flood that overflowed from my eyes. But I was 
not alone, for not a few mingled their tears with mine. 
A spectacle at which angels might weep ; so many, 
and-yet but a few, compared to the whole who are 
thus robbed of their womanhood, their purity and 
their hope of eternal life in that great city by the 
drink, the drink. Just on the next street Miss White 
pointed out a long building, two or three stories high, 
where she said were four hundred women incarcerated. 
And yet how few in that Christian city seem to know 
or care. When we closed our services Miss White 
told the women to come as they passed out and bid 
me farewell. And as they filed along, some with ex- 



352 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

pressions of kind wishes and blessings,, not a few of 
them looked up into my face with an expression of 
countenance that said, "I do not belong where you see 
me ; the accursed drink has been the cause of my un- 
doing." 

I dare not linger on this interesting subject longer 
than to say that as the years have gone on the labors 
of these devoted sisters of charity in very deed have 
been blessed by the reclaiming of numbers of these 
stranded souls, and they have found good homes, some 
in homes of their own to-day, living not only sober, 
but humble Christian lives, proving that Jesus has 
power to save to the uttermost all who come unto 
Him. 

On Monday morning before leaving I was made 
very happy by a call from Mrs. Stewart Clark, of 
Paisley, who entertained me so kindly upon my for- 
mer visit and, as I have recorded in a previous chapter, 
whom we elected as Honorary President of the Ladies' 
Temperance Association. Having seen in the papers 
the announcement of my arrival, she had come up to 
take me to her beautiful country seat, The Cliffs, at 
Weymms Bay. But as I was the bearer of important 
dispatches from our President to the Right Worthv 
Grand Lodge of Good Templars, duty compelled me 
to forego that pleasure, at least till I had filled my 
commission. 

Mr. Robert Mackay, secretary of the Scottish 
League, and Mrs. Woika, my dear Jewess friend, 
whom I had the pleasure of seeing take the platform 
with me on my former visit, called, and the result oi 
our consultation was that I promised to return on the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 353 

following Monday for a reception that the temperance 
organizations proposed to tender me. 

We had been unfortunate in taking a slow sailer in- 
stead of the fleet City of New York, in which all the 
other Western delegates had taken passage and so dis- 
tanced us by two days, and were welcomed in royal 
style, both in Liverpool and Glasgow, before we ar- 
rived. It was a real grief to me that I could not have 
been with them, for I should have had the pleasure of 
meeting many of my friends that I failed to see. In 
Glasgow the pleasure would have been enhanced by 
the memory of that grand oecasion when in the same 
hall my Good Templar brothers and sisters tendered 
me tne welcome just fifteen years before, that I have 
already recorded. But my dear friends determined 
that I should not fail of my reception and so arranged 
for my return, 

In the afternoon in company with Miss Wallace, 
who went up to attend the Free Church Women's 
Manse Annual Conference, I went to Edinburgh and 
met with a warm reception at the "Regents" from 
Mrs. Darling and her daughter, Miss Janie, though I 
sorely missed the warm hand clasp of the proprietor, 
Mr. James Darling. That brave Christian man had, 
with so many others whom I had learned to venerate 
for the great work they were doing for the Master, 
been called up higher. I took pleasure in going- to 
the conference with Miss Wallace. The Free Church 
yearly assembly was in session in that city and conse- 
quently there was quite a good attendance ot ladies at 
their conference. Mrs. Blaike, the president, was ab- 
sent, being in attendance at the British Women's Tern- 



354 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

perance Convention in London, but a daughter of the 
eminent and renowned Dr. Thomas Guthrie presided. 

I was much interested to note the marked progress 
the ladies of Scotland had made since my previous 
visit. While then with timidity and shrinking, yet 
with great earnestness, they came to my side, a few, 
as Miss White, Miss Bryson and Mrs. Stewart, I found 
already in and doing grand work. Now these ladies 
were carrying forward their business, reporting their 
several associations with work accomplished, reading 
papers on various topics and discussing questions with 
much parliamentary dignity and dispatch. At the 
close of these exercises we enjoyed a service of tea and 
a pleasant social occasion. Among those whose ac- 
quaintance I felt it a peculiar pleasure to make was 
the venerable widow of Dr. Guthrie, who, though now 
eighty years old, is still a most interesting and intelli- 
gent lady. This was a specially pleasant acquaint- 
ance to me, for, on my mother's side, I am a descend- 
ant of the Guthrie family of Scotland. 

In the evening the R. W. Grand Lodge held an 
open reception for the purpose of receiving the depu- 
tations from the various temperance organizations of 
the city. Here I had the happiness of meeting once 
more many of the sisters and brothers from all over 
the kingdom with whom I had labored in the years 
ago, and also many of the representative workers from 
other countries. Here, for instance, I again met sis- 
ter Denholm, whom we made first vice-president of 
the first British Woman's Association which we 
formed in London, but now of South Africa. And 
here I was rejoiced again to clasp the hand of Mrs. 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 355 

Helen Kirk, the wife of Professor John Kirk, who 
passed over some years since, but whom Scotland has 
not ceased to mourn. Mrs. Kirk has been a life-long, 
idefatigable worker in the Master's great harvest field. 
I have already referred to her establishing a prayer 
union and the blessed results of that work. Of course 
Mrs. Kirk was pre-eminently fitted to take charge 
of the association we formed and has been a 
leader in the British Women's Total Abstinence 
Scottish Christian branch ever since. To Mrs. Kirk 
is due the grafting on of the " Scottish Christian " to 
the name settled upon at New Castle when the British 
association was first formed. 

Miss Eliza Wigham, who, with her mother now 
resting from her la u ors, and her sister, Mrs. Edmond- 
son of Dublin, has done valuable work for women in 
the suffrage cause, and Mrs. Miller, both my support- 
ers when here before, with Mrs. Kirk composed the 
deputation from the British Women's association, 
bringing the greetings of that body. Very grateful to 
my heart was it when this deputation of ladies was 
called that they insisted that Mother Stewart should 
lead them, "For," said they so lovingly, " she is our 
Mother Stewart." And not less so was the hearty 
greeting of that honorable body of brother and sister 
Good Templars. Yes, the tears would well up. Who 
could have helped it? 

I was very glad to come up at last with my friends 
and fellow-delegates, Mrs. Franc E. Finch, R. W. G., 
Vice-Templar Major Lou J. and Mrs. Mellie Beau- 
champ, Gen. W. S. Payne and Mrs. Williams, 
our State Grand Secretary, who had on that " grey- 



3^6 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

hound" of the seas, the City ot New York", distanced 
me and done a good share of making way with those 
receptions, a part of which was duly mine. 

Of the numerous friends of Great Britain that I was 
pleased to meet again I must not take space to name 
more than Brother Turnbull, R. W. G. Templar, who 
showed me such marked courtesy, Rev. Brother Ross, 
whose valuable aid on my former visit had laid me 
under lasting obligation, and whoso kindly went down 
from the Lodge to preside over my meeting in his 
church in Glasgow ; brothers Archer, Malins and Insul, 
and brother and sister Collings who had entertained 
me when in Liverpool. And there were friends from 
other towns that I had visited who gave me pressing 
invitations to visit them again, and it would have given 
me great pleasure to do so, if the terms made with our 
excursion agency had permitted. Indeed I found the 
excursion arrangement not a little hampering and un- 
satisfactory. 

The following credentials and greeting from Miss 
Willard I copy as entered upon the minutes of the 
lodge proceedings : 

Office of the President. 

Evanstox, III., U.S.A., March 16, 1891. 
1 the World's Gra?zd Lodge of Good Jemplars, 

Greeting: 

Honored and Dear Brothers and Sisters — We are 
sending to you as our fraternal delegate, appointed at 
the National W. C. T. U. convention held in Atlanta, 
Ga., in November, 1S90, that honored leader in the 
temperance cause, Mother Stewart of Ohio, whose 
name is known wherever the history of the Woman's 
Crusade has gone, and this history is known through- 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 35^ 

out the world. It is a subject of congratulation with 
us that we can send as the comrade of our honored 
and beloved sister, Mrs. John B. Finch (who is a resi- 
dent of my own town), one so distinguished and suc- 
cessful in the building up of our cause as Mother 
Stewart, and we know her trumpet will give no un- 
certain sound as it forms a part of your great and va- 
ried chorus of good-will and beneficent purpose in the 
classic old city of Edinburgh, when the clans rally and 
you sing the famous old Scotch song, as I hope you 
may, to words based on this line, " The Templars are 
Coming, Hurrah ! Hurrah ! " 

We continue our warfare without haste, without 
rest, undeter ed by. opposition, undepressed by failure, 
undated by success. What was that grand utterance 
by William the Silent? "I do not need to win to 
work, nor to succeed to persevere." Raw recruits re- 
quire music, banners, and success to help keep them 
up to their- work, but it is a characteristic of veterans 
that they move steadily on alike in storm and sun- 
shine, knowing that the good cause will win some 
day, and their part is to build themselves into it as 
factors. Faith in God is the best ammunition with 
which any army was ever outfitted, and the white 
ribbon host, represented by Mother Stewart at your 
great meeting, has never lacked its full supply of ra- 
tions along this line. 

Hoping and praying for you a delightful reunion 
productive of the very best results in plan and pur- 
pose, and assuring you that we still hold the fort, I 
am, Your affectionate sister and comrade, 

Frances E. Willard, 
On behalf of the Woman's National Christian Tem- 
perance Union. 

Of the proceedings of this grand body of legislators, 
the enthusiasm manifested in our great work, the 
evident progress of the Order, as given in the various 



3$8 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

reports, the harmony and dispatch with which the 
business was carried forward, I need not write, as the 
transactions have been already published. 

A very enjoyable occasion was the conversazione 
tendered the R. W. Grand Lodge by the Lord Provost 
and his officials, on the evening of May 26th, in the 
Museum of Art and Science. The papers reported 
5,000 invitations sent out, and at least half that num- 
ber accepted. Here again I had the pleasure of meet- 
ing many old and forming the acquaintance of a host 
of new friends. To Hon. Wallace Bruce, our Consul, 
and his lady, I am under lasting obligation for their 
kind attention on this occasion. And I take special 
pride in recording that Mr. Bruce is a staunch temper- 
ance man, was known at home as a very popular 
lecturer, and is a noble representative of his govern- 
ment, doing honor to his country in the position she 
has placed him, not borrowing lustre from, but adding 
thereto, as the life of every true citizen should. As a 
special favor to Mr. Bruce, though the Lord High 
Commissioner was at the time occupying Holyrood, 
the American delegates were permitted to visit that 
renowned old palace. 

Saturday evening, the time for leaving beautiful 
Edinburgh and my dearly-loved friends, had come, 
and upon asking Mrs. Darling, who, with each member 
of her family, had done everything possible to make 
my stay in that Christian home a season of real enjoy- 
ment, for my bill, that dear lady involved me in more 
hopeless indebtedness by assuring me that there was 
no bill against me. 

By invitation of brother Barkley I attended the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 359 

Carrubber's Close Mission before leaving, and with 
others addressed an immense tea meeting, the occasion 
being the tenth anniversary of that blessed Gospel 
temperance work which had grown from six in at- 
tendance on that first night ten years ago to 1,500, 
the capacity of the hall, with hundreds on this occasion 
turned away. Besides the weekly meeting held in 
this hall, the association, under brother Barkley's un- 
tiring supervision, holds eighty meetings in city and 
suburbs weekly, assisted by 600 helpers. 

After speaking, I left the meeting at nine o'clock, 
as Miss Janie Darling led the audience in a sweet, 
touching, farewell song, the friends, as I passed, grasp- 
ing my hand for the last time. What wonder that 
the tears dimmed my vision ! Oh, won't it be sweet, 
over yonder, " to meet one another again ? " 

In company with Rev. Mr. Robertson I ran down 
to Glasgow in the "gloaming," that sweet, quiet hour, 
the lingering of day on the encroachment of night. 

Miss Bryson, who had gone down to London to 
attend the Bitish Women's Temperance Annual Con- 
vention, having cut short her stay, returned on Sabbath 
morning to add to my happiness. 

A DAY OF DAYS. 

In the cycles of the years, now and again comes a 
day clothed in the rich robes of azure and amethyst 
and emerald, bedecked with fairest jewels and wreaths 
of sweet flowers ; a day of compensation for the storm 
days that come into our lives — days of chill, disap- 
pointed hopes, discouragements, averted faces of 
friends, that send the blood surging back to the heart* 



360 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN'. 

there to congeal and leave one bereft of cheer, of con- 
fidence in humanity, of hope for the good time coming 
for which we had toiled and prayed — a day to enfold 
in lavender and sweet marjoram and lay away and 
dream about as of rarest treasures. 

In my workaday life came one such bright, restful 
day here in old Scotia. The hope of again clasping 
the hands and looking into the faces of those I had 
learned to love so well had stimulated me even to 
brave the ill nature of old ocean again. How well I 
have reaped my reward it would require many a page 
to record. 

But of this one day only, now. Mrs. Clark, upon 
learning of my expected return, had sent up an invita- 
tion for Miss" White, Miss Bryson and myself to spend 
Monday at the Cliffs. And so on that memorable first 
day of leafy June we ran down, while all nature 
seemed to be contributing to our enjoyment. The sun, 
as he climbed up the east, contended with the mist 
and fog that hung over the Clyde and for a time 
threatened to obscure the green fields and distant hills 
of Argyle and Blantyre. But old Sol won the day. 
The mists lifted and floated away in white, fleecy 
clouds, or lingered in a dim line of haze on the distant 
mountains, enabling us to catch a glimpse of old Ben 
Lomond, lifting himself proudly above his neighbors. 

Is there any other land that presents such ideal 
pictures of restful, rural beauty as this classic land of 
Scott and Burns? Fields of softest green all starred 
over with the tiny, white daisy (over which I spent 
many a day dream in childhood, woven out of poet's 
songs), others made richest golden with glowing 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 36 1 

buttercups. Here and there large patches of the pale 
primrose, with the little, blue-eyed perriwinkle peering 
out from the hedges, while hyacinths and violets 
nodded and laughed at us as we sped along. By the 
roadside everywhere, and in all vacant spaces, were 
great clumps of the hardy and spinous whin, or gorse, 
in full array of bright yellow blossoms, interspersed 
with the slender, swaying broom, also decked in bloom 
of paler and more delicate hue. The orchards and 
hedges wore gorgeous robes of white and delicate pink, 
from which the breezes flung us whiffs of sweet per- 
fume. Herds of cattle grazed leisurely in the distant 
pastures, the sheep nibbled industriously the tender, 
sweet grass, or rested a moment to watch the gambols 
of their lambs. The birds sang and twittered to each 
other of their nests and little ones ; hens in the barn- 
yards cackled of their achievements, while chanticleer 
crowed his defiance to his neighbors. Men were busy 
following the plow or at other work in the fields. 
Women were engaged about their domestic duties in- 
doors, or in their bright flower beds, while the children 
romped on the green. 

Through this lovely picture of rural life, past high, 
stone walls or neatly-trimmed hawthorne hedges, across 
white lines of far-stretching roads down by the margin 
of the Clyde, we sped. Now past the ruins of Dum- 
barton castle on the rock in the river, and. now through 
towns with tall factory chimneys, homes, stately and 
humble, imposing churches with tall spires, and now 
the ruin of a castle or abbey, mutely telling of genera- 
tions gone hundreds of years ago, that once occupied 
this land, but in far less peaceful fashion. 



362 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

What a warm welcome was that we received from 
Mrs. Clark and her lovely daughters ! I would that I 
might give to my readers a picture of the elegant and 
tasteful furnishing of this home of wealth and refine- 
ment. But I must not trespass the privileges of the 
guest more than to say that in all its furnishing and 
appointments it is a perfect ideal of luxury, combined 
with the most delicate taste — the rarest of flowers, a 
bewilderment of bric-a-brac, beautiful paintings, sofas, 
divans and soft cushions to invite repose. 

The Cliffs, as this lovely summer retreat is called, 
sits on a high bluff surrounded by fine, old trees, 
shrubbery and flowers, commanding an expansive 
view of Weymms Bay and the distant mountains. 

Mr. Clark's yacht, the Vandalusia, lies out in the 
bay, and before leaving Mrs. Clark took us out to it 
to tea. Here again was manifested the fine taste of 
the owner and his lady — carpets of finest texture, 
chairs, ottomans, sofas, all upholstered in bronze satin, 
beautiful, fluffy eider down comforts of same material 
on the beds. The brightest of silver plate and china 
adorned the table, and the sailors served a delicious 
cup of tea with quite as much grace as any lady. 

But the sun is sinking into the distant sea, and so, 
for the last time — oh, sad word, the last time — I take 
leave of my dear friend, but depart the stronger for 
the battles to come, the richer in all good purposes fot 
this day of days — one of the brightest in all my 
seventy-five years full. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Tea Meeting, Reception and Farewell at Glasgow— London — 
Paris— Boulogne— Boston Convention. 

IN the League ^Journal of June 6th I find a very full 
report of the welcome and farewell tendered me 
by my dear sisters of Glasgow, on the evening of June 
ist, from which I copy the following : 

WELCOME TO "MOTHER" STEWART. 

A meeting to welcome "Mother" Stewart, of Ohio, 
to Scotland, took place on Monday night in the Cow- 
caddens Free church, which was crowded. Rev. 
William Ross presided. 

Among those present were Mr. John Wilson, M. P., 
Rev. Geo. Gladstone, Rev. Robt. Hood, Rev. George 
Milne, Rev. B. Meikleham and Mrs. Meikleham, Mrs. 
Campbell, Miss White, Miss Bryson, Mrs. Buchanan, 
Mrs. Harding, Mrs. and Miss Ratcliffe, Miss Wallace, 
Mrs. James and Mr. Eric Mowat, Mrs. Harper and 
Miss Carswell, Paisley ; Mrs. Woika, Mrs. Black, ex- 
Provost Campbell and Miss Campbell, Greenock ; ex- 
Provost Dick, Mrs. and Miss Dick, Thomas Dick, Jr., 
Councillor and Mrs. Chisholm, ex-Bailie Selkirk, 
Councillor Douglass, Dumbarton ; Bailie DufTus, Mrs. 
James Dunnachie, Wm. Dunnachie, T. Dunnachie, 
Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Dunnachie, Glenboig ; 
Thomas Davidson and Miss Davidson, Francis and 
Mrs. Spite, David and Mrs. Fortune, W. J. and Mrs. 
Wood, Mrs. Robert Hislop, Miss Wilson, Hawick; J. 
H. and Mrs. J. H. Gray, Dr. A. M. and Mrs. Smith, 
Dr. M. Cameron, Mrs. Paterson, Wm. Ridley, Alexan- 
der King, Alexander McNeill, John Morrison, George 
McPherson, A. Rankine, David Aitken, Mrs. Mac- 
pherson, Miss Walker, John S. Bone, J. Cairns, John 



364 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

WyJlie, R. L. Simpson, David Munroe, John and Mrs. 
Campbell, Wm. Johnston, Robert Mackay, Miss E. 
Dunlop, George and Miss Morrison, R. D. and Mrs. 
R. D. Dunnachie, Wm. Miller, W. G. Auld, John 
Howat, John Forrester, Mrs. D. S. Allan, Mrs. W. D, 
Thorn, James F'inlayson, R. Anderson, Wm. Shanks ( 
Alexander and Mrs. Black, Wm. Aikman, Thomaa 
Sproat. 

The following apologies were received : Rev. Dr. 
Wallace, Rev. Dr. Joseph and Miss Brown, Rev. Dr, 
and Mrs. Fergus Ferguson, Rev. John Jenkins, Rev. 
John Leathley, Rev. Alexander Kirkland, Rev. Alex- 
ander Andrew ; Provost John. Colville, Motherwell ; 
ex-Provost James Clark, Paisley ; Bailie Brechin, 
Bailie Pettigrew, ex-Bailie Wm. Ure, Councillor Alex- 
ander, Councillor McKellar, Dr. R. Wilson Bruce, Mr. 
J. Campbell White, Overtoun ; Mrs. Kidston, Helens- 
burgh ; Mrs. Beith, Miss C. J. Geils, Cardross ; Mrs. 
Sinclair, Miss Downie, Kirkintilloch ; Misses Harvie, 
Miss Anderson, Helensburgh ; Miss Blyth, Miss Kerr ; 
Messrs. R. Hunter Craig, Robert and Mrs. Whitson, 
Wm. Walker, James Mowat, William Fife, George 
Munro Kerr, A. P. Brown, Kilmarnock ; Wm. Quai - 
rier, Robert Ferguson, James Downie, Alexander and 
Mrs. Whitson, ex-Bailie John Lang, Greenock; Adam 
K. and Mrs. Rodger, A. J. Hunter, Robert Westlands, 
James R. Livingston, Charles R.. Westlands, Alexan 
der Duncan, Robert Wylie, Alexander and Mrs. and 
Miss Bost, Mr. Sproat, Mr. Cargill, Mr. and Misses 
Brown, Alexandria ; John Robertson, Kirkintilloch ; 
C. L. and Mrs. Wright, Captain John and Mrs. Smith, 
David Anderson, Edinburgh ; Wm. Denham, William 
M. Oatts, William and Mrs: Gemmell, Henry Steven, 
W. Dixon Gray, Airdrie ; Jas. Houston. 

Rev. Robert Hood opened the meeting with prayer. 

chairman's speech. 
The chairman rejoiced in the meeting for several 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 365 

reasons. It had gathered together many engaged in 
the temperance crusade. The meeting would have 
been larger but for the season of the year ; but still 
there were present many temperance workers who 
wished to welcome " Mother" Stewart, who had in 
the past fought successfully against the drink in 
America. Yet her eye was not dim nor had her natural 
strength abated. The Scottish Temperance League, 
the Scottish Permissive Bill and Temperance Associa- 
tion, the Independent Order of Good Templars, the 
Women's Christian Union, the Glasgow Abstainers' 
Union, the Free Church Temperance Society, and all 
the other temperance organizations united in welcom- 
ing their dear and venerable sister. They blessed God 
they saw one who had fought the temperance battle 
so nobly s>till spared by a covenant God, and still 
owned and used in this work. The Women's Union, 
to which she had given such loyal help, was to-day, 
perhaps, the most powerful organization in the world 
for furthering the temperance cause. On behalf, also, 
of the Scottish Band of Hope Union, and the Bands 
of Hope in all their churches, he welcomed their friend 
once more in this holy warfare. 

mother Stewart's speech. 
Mother Stewart, who was received with prolonged 
applause, said her heart was so touched she feared if 
they did not desist she would not be able to control 
her emotions. She was reminded of an anecdote of 
Mr. Spurgeon. Upon going out one day, he asked 
his invalid wife what he should bring her, and she 
mentioned two articles that she said she would like to 
have, but immediately added, "Don't mind anything 
about them ; it is of no consequence." When he 
returned he handed her the articles. " Why, husband," 
she exclaimed, "I told you not to trouble about getting 
them." "Well," he arswered, "I called upon such a 
lady and she handed me this, asking me to bring it t 



366 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

you, and calling upon Mrs. , she handed me this, 

with the request that I bring it to you." She said, 
"Why, what do you think of it? " He answered, "I 
think you are one of God's spoiled children, and he 
lets you have what you want." Mother Stewart said 
she had a mind to take that to herself; she thought 
she was one of God's spoiled children, in that He had 
granted the desire she had cherished for the fifteen 
years since she had parted with her Scotch friends, 
that some day she might again cross the Atlantic and 
look into the faces of those she had learned to love so 
well. As the years increased and her strength dimin- 
ished, she feared it was not possible that she should 
again see Scotland ; but the Lord had made a way, 
and she was thankful to join once more in their grand 
and glorious warfare against the drink. 

This was the most solemn period of her life, for 
to-night, in her seventy-sixth year, she felt nearer the 
grave and eternity than ever before. Our Heavenly 
Father only knows how much more time she has to go 
forth to put into practice the sweet hymn they had 
sung, "Rescue the perishing, care for the dying." That 
hymn was often sung in her own land, yet the singers, 
in many instances, went their ways without a thought 
of putting it into practice, forgetting that multitudes 
were being swept away by drink. It was a humiliat- 
ing fact that in all countries whither Christian com- 
merce went it carried the drink curse. The Lord pity 
them as a Christian people, both in this country and 
in America. They had sinned against the Master, 
and He had a controversy with them over this curse. 
She was thankful for the privilege of once more stand- 
ing before them and sounding the note of alarm and 
of helping in this the greatest battle of all the ages — 
a battle which she believed woald be the last. She 
brought the greetings of their Women's National 
Temperance Union, 250,000 strong, marshalled against 
the great foe, and standing bote, e ^i.e world pleading 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 367 

for their husbands and their children, and asking all 
women to come to their help in the great battle. 
They were educating their children to be good ab- 
stainers, and preaching the Gospel to the perishing. 
They now have forty departments of work. When 
they began their crusade they thought the only thing 
to do was to pray Before the public houses, and perad- 
venture the Lord would give the enemy into their 
hands. But while this was the Lord's call to many 
of the men for the first time, some yielded to that call, 
while others did not. 

The reason the crusaders did not have entire success 
was this : After they had closed many of the public 
houses, and the liquor sellers had rolled out the barrels 
and told the women to drive in the heads, as they 
would give up the business (they had told her they 
thought the whole world had risen up against them, 
and it would be of no use to withstand), they very 
soon saw that the Christian men did not fully sustain 
the crusaders, and seeing that' it was only the women 
that opposed them they — many of them — went back 
to their traffic again. But the liquor sellers did 
wonder, both in America and here, that Christians 
everywhere did not stand out against them. 

She could remember a publican saying, while the 
tears ran down his cheeks, "I know better than you 
do the enormity of this traffic." Since the Word hath 
said, "No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of 
heaven," how can Christians touch the unholy thing? 
Even the publicans themselves do not have the respect 
for Christians they would have if they, as a body, 
arrayed themselves against the traffic. 

In America there were two political parties nearly 
evenly divided, and the liquor power controlled them 
both, as money would buy the votes of the sweepings 
of the streets of Europe that went over to America 
and flooded the native electors. They came from 
Great Britain and Ireland, Germany, France and Italy 



368 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

If one party broke with the liquor men, the other got 
the offices. If that party claiming to be the reform 
party had stood firm more than one half of the States 
of the Union would to-day have a prohibitory law. 

But political intrigue won the day and the Lord 
had turned America into a wilderness of sin, and she 
was not sure that they would not yet have to wander 
in it forty years. She brought the greeting of Amer- 
ican sisters, who asked the women of this land to give 
up the little they took. They might say the little did 
no harm. Sisters, don't touch it any more than you 
would a poisonous serpent, for if you do it may lead 
you to the condition of the poor women on the streets. 
They should sign the pledge and join this grand army. 
She came as the Lord's recruiting officer to enlist sol- 
diers. She appealed especially to the young ladies to 
join, and so give their influence. Wherever she went 
gentlemen said she should enlist the young ladies, 
who could change the state of society. They should 
do so for the sake of the young men of Scotland. She 
brought the greetings of the Loyal Temperance Le- 
gion, the children's band, whose colors she wore. 
Perhaps the Lord would not permit them to enter the 
Promised Land and that it was reserved for the chil- 
dren. She also carried the greetings of her own Good 
Templar lodge, and of the Prohibitionists, who are 
working for the legal protection of their homes against 
the public houses. If the news came that the King of 
Dahomey had brought to the slaughter sixty or seven- 
ty thousand of his subjects there would be a great out- 
cry in our Christian lands, and we would be sending 
commissioners to see about it, though every year 
King Alcohol was slaughtering more than a hundred 
thousand, and yet we boast of our Christianity and 
send our missionaries to teach the heathen. If the 
temoerance women had the power they would close 
every public house by to-morrow. Starding with one 
foot in the grave, she called oack to her Christian 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 369 

brothers and sisters to help in this great battle. In 
the slavery conflict our congress gave a sop now and 
then to the agitators to keep them quiet, but at last 
the Lord's patience was exhausted and the tocsin of 
Avar was sounded. They saw their beautiful boys 
shoulder their muskets and march away. Rivers of 
blood flowed to wash out the stain of slavery. God 
saw there was no other way. But here was a greater 
curse. The black man was not enslaved by drink. 
She had heard him, as he walked from one plantation to 
another during the night, sing the plaintive songs of 
Zion. He had hope of a better world, but the drunk- 
ard had not. Let them, then, in God's name try to 
save the perishing. She thought it a great honor in 
this work to be one of God's little messengers. It was 
not enough to pray in the church and at home ; they 
must go out and compel others to come in. She stood 
in the church where was held her farewell meeting 
fifteen years ago.* 

Eleven years after, at a State convention, a lady 
told her she and her husband were present at that 
meeting, being in Glasgow on their wedding tour, and 
that among the signers of the pledge that night were 
eight young engineers of the P. & O. Steam Line. 
(This incident is related in a previous chapter.) She 
would take back the greetings of the Scotch women 
to her sisters, who would work on till the victory was 
won. I<" would not be long till they heard that 
-•Mother" Stewart had gone, but the great battle will 
proceed all the same. The Lord would raise up re- 
cruits to take their places, and may the Lord give 
them all grace to do more for the temperance cause 
than they have ever done before ! 

The chairman said since the last visit of "Mother" 
Stewart he had solemnized four hundred marriages at 
which there was not a drop of drink, and in that 



*See report in the League Journal of April 22d, 1876. 



370 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

building one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three 
abstainers had been received into church fellowship. 
There was also a valuable, institution in which the 
service of an unique character was rendered by one 
gentleman. It was a medical mission. It was started 
in poverty, matured in poverty, still lived in poverty 
and was thriving remarkably well. Dr. Muir Smith 
had given free advice and medicine to upwards of fif- 
teen thousand persons in the rooms below, all of whom 
could have made provision for themselves but for the 
intoxicating cup. 

mr. wilson's speech. 

Mr. John Wilson, M. P., who was received with 
loud cheers, said that but for the present meeting he 
would have been attending to his parliamentary duties 
in Westminster, but he had come as he might not 
have another opportunitv of hearing " Mother " Stew- 
art, and he could be spared at St. Stephens. He had 
not been disappointed. He had heard of the great 
work done in America and he hoped that by and by 
our own land and the land of the stars and stripes 
would be freed from the drink curse. He had read 
to-day one of the most painful tragedies which had 
taken place in Bathgate. The husband seemed a de- 
cent man. He was a coachman and had been absent 
with a party, and upon returning home late he found 
his door shut. He broke a pane of glass and awak- 
ened his daughter, who opened the door to him. On 
the threshold he found his wife .dead, the result of in- 
dulgence in strong drink. When he told his story 
that morning in police court it wa« so plain that he 
was liberated at once. The wife, although on the eve 
of becoming a mother, had a terrible craving for drink. 
That tragedy must teach drink-sellers that the power 
of Christian people shall no longer tolerate them in 
their trade. Manv years ago there was a visitation of 
cholera and our Christian people were anxious to have 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 37 1 

a fast day, or day of prayer, and a deputation went tc 
Lord Palmerston asking him to name a day. He 
said to them, "Go first and clean out your ash-pits 
sweep out your closes and remove the dirt from youi 
houses, and then wait upon the Lord in prayer." The 
lesson to be drawn from that answer was that, besides 
our prayers, we must do what we could to remove the 
public house from the land. They must send men like 
Councillor Chisholm to the town council and God 
would answer their prayers and close the public 
houses. When a man asked for their votes for the 
Imperial Parliament there should be a condition thai 
he would only receive a vote if he were prepared tc 
sweep away public houses. It was very hard that 
public houses should be planted in densely populated 
parts of the city, while in the squares and crescents 
there should be none. Their local aristocracy took 
good care to preserve themselves from the temptation 
of drink, but they were not altogether free, because 
many of their sons fell victims when they came down 
to the city, and many a sad heart there was overjthe 
ruin of the flower of youth. It was impossible for 
Christian people to escape punishment if they did not 
exert themselves to suppress the liquor traffic. He 
was glad that there were so many temperance men 
under their great leader — Sir Wilfrid Lawson — pre- 
pared to do what they could to deliver the country 
from the drink curse. 

MISS WHITE'S SPEECH. 

Miss Mary White said the meeting was held in the 
right place. The very atmosphere was one of temper- 
ance. The welcome meeting to "Mother" Stewart 
had a tinge of sadness because it was a farewell meet- 
ing. Their thoughts went back to the time when a 
few plain women met to pray against the drink curse 
and do rescue work. They worked in that quiet way, 
never going upon platforms. When "Mother" Stew- 



372 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

art came she communicated her enthusiasm, and they 
consecrated their lives to the Master's service. They 
were even willing to go upon platforms and plead 
with their brothers and sisters to engage in this holy 
warfare. Looking back upon these fifteen years they 
saw that God had with weak and humble instruments 
done great things. Though the battle was hard and 
their enemies many, they warred in the name of God 
and would win. She had visited "Mother" Stewart 
in her sunny home for several days, and thought the 
parting was final, but the Lord had brought her to Scot- 
land again, for which they were thankful. Some of 
them were getting old, but they thanked God younger 
sisters were rising to carry on the work. They had 
Miss Wallace, for whom their sympathies and prayers 
were asked. In the name of the Lord she visited the 
towns and villages of Scotland to persuade women to 
take part in this work. She had had grand meetings 
in the citadel of the whisky manufacture Campbell- 
town. The solemn conviction of the women was that 
the extinction of the drink traffic was the one great 
remedy for the drunkenness of this land. May the 
meeting of "Mother" Stewart be like an inspiration 
of God in moving more workers to the front in this 
great crusade. 

[The chairman intimated that an apology had been 
received from the Rev. J. A. Johnston and Sir Will- 
iam Collins, both of whom were very much interested 
in the meeting w:ith "Mother" Stewart.] 

rev. mr. Gladstone's speech. 

The Rev. George Gladstone said that in that farewell 
meeting they naturally had been led to think not only 
of temperance, with which " Mother " Stewart's name 
was so prominently and nobly identified, but they 
must have, as they heard her speak, been led to think 
also of the w T ork done in God's name by their sisters 
both on the other side of the Atlantic and on this side, 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 373 



as well as in other lands. He did not wonder that 
they should find women rallying to the help of the 
Lord against the mighty, nor did he wonder that 
through the history of the church it should have been 
found that women were responsive to the call made 
upon them by "Mother" Stewart and the other tem- 
perance workers. Christianity had in a sense done 
more for woman than it had for man, because wher- 
ever the Gospel of Christ had come, wherever His in- 
fluence had been recognized, women had found special 
blessing brought to them. Wherever the influence of 
Christianity was not, the position of woman was sim- 
ply that of a beast of burden, an instrument of lust, or 
a mere chattel to be sold. It was said that every na- 
tion had its own religion, and the religion best fitted 
to it, and that as a reason why we should not send the 
Gospel of Christ into the dark places of the earth. The 
ignorance of the men who said so was their disgrace. 
Why, in one of the great temples of India, whose archi- 
tecture was massive and imposing, the priestesses of 
the temple were nothing more than immoral women ; 
but wherever the Gospel of Christ prevailed the 
position of women had improved. It was no wonder, 
therefore, that women should recognize what they 
owed to Jesus Christ. Now, he didn't know any de- 
partment of Christian service in which women could 
render better help than in that of temperance reform. 
It was well known what God had accomplished 
through the agency of women. Was there not cause 
and need that our women should give themselves to 
this work? He was sorry that some professedly 
Christian women should look upon the temperance 
work as being rather vulgar. They believed that it 
was good, and that good was being done, but they 
feared that they would lose caste if they identified 
themselves with it. Now it was a great honor for 
any one, woman or man, to be identified with such 
work, and until these women get a nobler conviction 



374 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

t 

in this matter they would not be of much service to 
the temperance cause. 

He had often wondered why it was that God hid 
from our eyes the result of our work. He could re- 
member going back just a month or two to a certain 
little village and making a call, finding that an aged 
woman was dead. Her daughter said that her mother 
always wished to tell something to him. Twenty-six 
years ago, troubled and weary about her soul, she had 
come seeking Christ, and she came to a service at 
which he was speaking, and that night she learned of 
Christ and yielded herself to Him. She had been 
happy ever since, and during all that time she often 
wondered whether she should see Mr. Gladstone to 
tell him what good his words had on a certain night 
done for her soul. He had gone to her home incident- 
ally, and almost accidentally, and he did not know 
till then what the effects of his words had been upon 
her, showing that no one could tell what good was 
done by word and action, and how he might be the 
means of drawing one back from death and bringing 
him to Christ. Let him give one illustration. Thirty- 
four years ago a little lad told his father that he had 
joined the Band of Hope that night and asked why he 
was not an abstainer. The father began to think, and 
the result was that he took the pledge and gave his 
time and labor to the good cause. The father became 
the mayor of a town in England and the lad one of 
our devoted missionaries. He had now a family of 
fourteen children, not one of whom had ever tasted 
drink. Oh, the need of the temperance reform ! 

As he was coming from his own church in Dundas 
Street to the Cowcaddens, he began to count the pub- 
lic houses and found there were a great many. He 
asked himself whether they were needed for the dis- 
trict. There were three just outside the building and 
another one opposite. Would the bench of magis- 
trates say that these four public houses were needed ? 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 375 

Yet they were only to grant licenses where they were 
meet and convenient. If they granted any which did 
not meet these conditions they violated the terms 
upon which they sat upon the bench. Were the 
eighteen hundred and more public houses needed in 
Glasgow? Some Glasgow magistrates thought that 
we could do with fewer of them, while the justices of 
peace were of the opinion that we could not do with- 
out one of them. And so these public houses were 
allowed to deal out death ! 

There was an earnest call for everybody whose 
heart had yielded to the pressure of God's spirit, who 
had bowed the knee at Gethsemane and at Calvary, 
and had got some little glimpse of the sacrifice of 
Christ, to sacrifice himself, and not only now that 
"Mother" Stewart was with them, but at all times to 
do his best in prayer and service to help forward the 
good cause. 

COUNCILLOR CHISHOLM'S SPEECH. 

Councillor Chisholm said he was not a magistrate of 
Glasgow, and he was not there to defend any act or 
course of habit of theirs ; but he was there to say that 
the magistrates were the elected of the rate-payers. 
He wished to impress upon them the responsibility 
that rested upon them for the character and opinions 
of the magistrates. Sympathizing with what Mr. 
Gladstone had said to the ladies and gentlemen present 
— for he included ladies, as they had the municipal 
vote — they should not waste their indignation upon 
the magistrates, but upon themselves and their fellow 
rate-payers, and use all their influence to secure that 
the elected of the rate-payers were men who reflected 
their opinions on the temperance question. He 
deemed it a great honor to take part in such a meeting 
so deeply interesting and inspiring. It was an honor 
to pay a tribute of admiration and thanks to " Mother" 
Stewart for the untiring, unselfish, prayerful and sue- 



376 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

cessful labors in which, for many years, she had been 
engaged. He had means of knowing the earnestness 
and devotion with which Miss Wallace devoted her- 
self to the work. Within a comparatively recent 
time she declined no mean honor because she thought 
its acceptance might interfere with her efforts 
on behalf of temperance. Knowing all that, he 
thanked her in his own name and in that of the audi- 
ence. 

They had appropriately spoken of "Mother" Stew- 
art's work as a crusade. What was a crusade? It 
was an enterprise, the center of which was the cross. 
In that aspect he delighted to think of "Mother" 
Stewart's labors. What was the spirit of the cross? It 
was one of self-sacrifice. He asked temperance friends 
in Glasgow whether their labors were a crusade. Did 
they carry the work on in a spirit of self-sacrifice? 
But the abstinence of many was only passive. They 
wished the temperance people not only to give up the 
use of the drink and give a little money and time, but 
to give themselves. He often wondered why it was 
when a parliamentary or municipal election took place 
the temperance party had not their candidate ready. 
When Mr. Wilson stepped into the breach and ac- 
cepted the offer of parliamentary honors, it was 
because he was willing to give not only his money, 
but himself, to the work. Until the temperance party 
grew their men and had them ready for each vacancy, 
their efforts would be thrown away. Mr. Wilson had 
referred to the Bathgate tragedy. Why, there were 
such every day, and they affected us not, because we 
had become accustomed to them, and because the ear 
did not convey so direct and powerful an impression 
as the eye. If people were got to see with their own 
eyes the tragedies enacted by drink every day, soon a 
different state of things would prevail. 

The other Saturday night he was one of a small 
company who began at half past nine to visit the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 377 

public houses. They stood amongst the ragged, 
wretched men and women, boys and girls in the public 
houses in High street, Trongate, King street, Prince's 
street, London street and Gallowgate. They looked 
ai the occupants of the boxes and his companion, who 
was not an abstainer, but a friend of temperance, 
went home that night a confirmed prohibitionist. If 
they had the same experience there would be the same 
result. He apologized for his friend Mr. Selkirk, who, 
having a bad cold, was .unable to speak. 

mrs. Campbell's speech. 

Mrs. Campbell said she had been asked to propose 
a vote of thanks to "Mother" Stewart, who had come 
across the wide Atlantic to visit them", thanks, also, 
to the speakers who had shown the evil effects of the 
drink traffic in this land, and also thanks to the choir 
for their services. There was no hope for the drunkard 
unless he was raised up to a newness of life. This 
branch of the Lord's work might be considered vulgar. 
It mattered not to them although it should be the low- 
est or highest honor. Our Lord never sought popu- 
larity. He was the man of sorrows, and did His 
Father's work irrespective of the opinions of others. 
If they were to be his true followers they must take 
the Lord's place — accept the lowest work in order to 
obtain the highest place in His kingdom. Let that 
meeting be a new departure. When they thought of 
the life work of "Mother" Stewart, they felt how 
little they had done. Why should they not go into 
the public houses and rescue the perishing? Why 
should not all the co^regations of the Christian 
church be like that which assembled within these 
walls. If all had been stirred up to the very depths 
by the proceedings of that evening, they would resolve 
henceforth to do mighty things for Christ. 

After prayer, led by Mrs. Campbell and "Mother" 
^Stewart, the proceedings terminated. Cowcaddens 



37$ THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

Free church choir sang several hymns with great 
spirit and effect during the evening. 

I find an editorial in the same journal, which I take 
pleasure in copying : 

RECEPTION TO " MOTHER " STEWART. 

A large and sympathetic company met in Cowcad- 
dens Free church, Glasgow, on Monday evening, to hold 
at once a welcome and fareweH meeting with "Mother*' 
Stewart, of Ohio. This lady is well known through- 
out the civilized world for the courageous part she 
took in the crusade against the liquor saloons in the 
United States. About fifteen years ago she visited 
this country, and many will remember the enthusiastic 
reception she got on that occasion. Despite the dictum 
of the poet, there is something after all in a name. A 
considerable Jacobite strain runs through the Scottish 
constitution, and whatever may be "Mother" Stew- 
art's relationship to the royal Stewarts, she received 
on Monday evening, through the chairman of the 
meeting, the Rev. William Ross, a right royal and 
Highland welcome. But Mrs. Stewart brought with 
her more than a romantic and cherished Scottish name. 
Kind deeds are more than kingly crowns. The 
services "Mother" Stewart rendered the sufferers 
during the sanguinary civil war in America, and her 
zealous prosecution of the temperance reformation, 
have raised her to a high and honored place among 
the philanthropic and Christian workers of the 
century, and endeared her*to thousands on both sides 
of the Atlantic. 

When the prolonged cheering with which Mrs. 
Stewart was received had subsided, she proceeded to 
deliver an eloquent address. In inspiring passages 
she spoke of the wonderful success that had marked 
the women's crusade, falling, however, into a some- 
what pensive strain as she adverted to the miserable 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 379 

tactics of political parties in the States, which had 
checked the progress of the temperance movement 
and undone much of the work temperance women had 
accomplished. Had the women in the United States 
the power, "Mother" Stewart affirms, the liquor 
traffic would be prohibited, and this sentiment appears 
to be confirmed by the actual condition of affairs in 
that country. The influx, however, of much of the 
residuum of the European nations, who will do any r 
thing and vote any way for liquor, is a vast hindrance 
to the passing and enforcement of prohibitory laws in 
the States. 

Mrs. Stewart speaks with wonderful force for her 
years. With graceful gesticulation and finely-modu- 
lated voice, at times tremulous with emotion, she 
dilates on the dreadful results of drinking. She is a 
very impressive speaker, and her touching appeals on 
Monday evening could not fail to quicken sympathy 
with her in Jier labors and induce those who still stand 
aloof from the temperance movement to identify them- 
selves with it. "Mother" Stewart has won a sweet 
and abiding, place in the hearts of her Scottish sisters, 
as was revealed in the touching speeches of Miss White 
and Mrs. Campbell, and the gentlemen, also, who 
spoke bore testimony to the good work she had done, 
and to their high estimation of her self-sacrificing 
spirit. We wish for " Mother" Stewart a safe return 
to her own land, and hope that her influence for good, 
retaining long its vital force, may extend in ever- 
widening circles. 

The same paper also contains a report from a visitor, 
which I am sure the reader will find so interesting that 
I need not apologize for prolonging the account of 
this wonderful meeting by adding it. 

WITH "MOTHER" STEWART. 

There was a very social and pleasant hour in the 



380 THE CRUSADER IV GREAT BRITAIN. 

hall of Cowcadden's Free church on Monday evening 
when "Mother"' Stewart, of America, received a 
Scotch welcome from her admiring sisters. The tea 
was stimulating and so was the talk, and the meeting 
was almost as excited in a happy way as if John Bar- 
leycorn had been present. Indeed, it seemed quite a 
"jollification" in an innocent way. and old and young 
alike had beaming faces. After tea the spacious 
church rilled up speedily and a large and spirited choir 
led the hymns with a heartiness which was refreshing 
to all who heard them. It was interesting to see the 
pulpit filled with a mixed company — Mr. Ross, quite 
at home among the '-honorable women" who sur- 
rounded him in the sacred place ; Mrs. Archibald 
Campbell's serene face beamed benevolently, as it al- 
ways does on all good objects : Miss Mary White was 
the ideal of pure womanhood, as she always is : Mrs. 
Woika and Miss Wallace were well known to the 
audience as earnest workers in the temperance cause, 
and "Mother" Stewart herself was the cynosure of all 
eyes. When she took of! her bonnet and stood up 
with her white hair, we all telt that she well deserved 
her name and that her words would be wise and full 
of mature and kindly experience. And we were not 
disappointed, for her appeals to mothers and young 
ladies were most tender and touching and worthy of 
being pondered by all the women of Glasgow. Among 
the audience were many poor mothers, some with 
their babies in their arms, and to such her words must 
have appealed most strongly. It was beautiful to see 
the earnest attention which the young men gave and 
their rapturous applause as she closed her stirring ad- 
dress. It was a contrast when Mr. John Wilson. M.P.. 
arose to say a few words, and we felt privileged in- 
deed to have heard such a woman and such a man on 
the same evening. Mr. Wilson has acquired great 
freedom and facility of speech — presumably at St. 
Stephen's — and his whole appearance and manner are 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 3&I 

dignified as he speaks the sentiments of a Christian 
man and member of parliament. Govan and Glasgow 
have much reason to be proud ot him, and we only 
wish that men of his type were more common either 
in parliament or out of it. 

Miss White's silvery tones are sounding in our ears 
as we leave the church, and we regret that we cannot 
stav to hear all that will be said or sung. It has been 
an inspiring gathering. 

Mr. Ross has made his church a radiating center of 
light in a very dark place, and if all ministers were as 
decided as he is on the temperance question Glasgow 
would soon flourish by a more efficacious preaching of 
the Word than it yet possesses. 

It was a source of sincere regret to all that Dr. 
Wallace was prevented by illness from being present 
with us, and in person giving us words of cheer, and 
as a substitute I take pleasure in inserting here his 
note of apology sent me : 

Westercraigs, Glasgow, Monday, June I. 
Rev. Dr. Wallace to Mother Stewart : 

Dear Friend : — I fully intended, at the close of 
last week, to be present at the reception meeting to- 
night, and to join with the other friends in giving you 
a hearty welcome, but to-day I am suffering from a 
severe cold, which compels me, however reluctantly, 
to keep the house. I need not say how much I regret 
this. I am delighted to hear of your continued inter- 
est in the good cause, and with kindest regards and best 
wishes, I am yours affectionately, 

^Alexander Wallace. 

I was charmed to hear Miss White and the president 
of the Glasgow Ladies' Prayer Union, Mrs. Archibald 

*" There is crape on the door" to-day, for word comes that this saint 
and hero has joined the army triumphant. 



82 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 



Campbell, deliver such touching and really eloquent 
addresses, and also Miss Wallace, who, though so 
modest and retiring, gives unmistakable evidence of 
talent and heart that make her an invaluable helper in 
the women's field of work. And how thankful I felt 
as I listened to the strong, forceful words of Mr. 
Wilson, M. P., who had come from St. Stephens, as 
he remarked, expressly to be present on this occasion, 
to see that such men as he, who have the welfare and 
highest interest of their country at heart, are by the 
will ot the people being placed in position where their 
sentiments may be crystallized into righteous laws for 
the protection of the people against their deadliest foe. 
May the Christian people see the need and their own 
obligation, and hasten to increase the number into an 
overwhelming majority at old " St. Stephens." Blessed 
day for this "kingdom in the midst of the seas !" 

It was a singularly happy coincident that I was 
again in the Cowcaddens Free church, where my fare- 
well had been tendered me when here before, and that 
brother Ross, who was then of Rothesay, but now 
pastor of this church, had come down from the Grand 
Lodge at Edinburgh to preside, and with his earnest 
and eloquent words inspired all with new zeal and 
enthusiasm. 

At the tea meeting I met old friends, not only from 
Glasgow, but from Paisley, Greenock, Dumbarton, 
Hawick and other places. Here were ex -Provost 
Campbell and his sister, of Greenock, who came fully 
intending to take me home with them for a visit. The 
daughters of my esteemed friend Mr. Wilson, of 
Hawick, whom I was grieved to learn had joined the 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 383 

hosts on the other shore, were here also. David 
Fortune and lady, he whom I remember as the ruling 
genius of that great Irish league meeting at Belfast, I 
was glad to meet again, and ex-Provost Dick and lady, 
who were my escort to the Green Isle on that occasion. 
On Tuesday morning I bade farewell to my sisters, 
Miss White and Miss Bryson, till we meet again on 
the beautiful shore, and set out for London. A very 
pleasing incident awaited me on my arrival in Carlisle. 
I had learned that Rev. John Thomas, in whose church 
I had spoken when in London, and who had assisted 
me in organizing a woman's union, of which we 
elected Mrs. Thomas president, was now settled in 
Carlisle. Miss Bryson kindly wrote him that I would 
pass through this morning. When we ran into the 
station I threw down the sash, and there, with smiling 
faces and quickened step, I saw brother and sister 
Thomas hastening to me. A few minutes of happy 
greeting and expressions of interest in our cause, then 
the farewell clasp of the hands, and the train bore me 
away forever, but with the blessed hope bought for us 
by our Savior of meeting again in the " morning." 

" Oh, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land 
So free from all sorrow and pain, 
With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands, 
To meet one another again." 

'At London a reception was tendered the delegates 
on Saturday, June 6th ; a crowded .tea meeting and a 
very enjoyable time, and meeting with old friends, 
notably Mr. and Mrs. John Hilton. And it was a happy, 
though all too brief, occasion a few days later to find 
myself again a guest in their hospitable home, the 



384 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

scattered members of the family having been called 
home for the reunion. 

I have been greatly pleased to see that the elder 
son, Mr. Dean Hilton, whom, because of his bright 
wit and geniality, I had called my "Yankee boy," has 
developed into a writer of a high degree of merit, as 
"A Dash of Bitter," "The Off Chance, or Percy May- 
hew's Fall," and other works from his pen abundantly 
testify. 

It was a source of regret that I was not able to at- 
tend the meeting for which I was announced on Sab- 
bath evening, because of illness. Indeed, my pleasure 
was all the time so abridged by the effects of my over- 
work and breakdown in the winter, that all that un- 
canny seasickness, travel, change of scenery, meeting 
with friends, seemed unable to overcome. 

Mrs. Stewart, one of my London committee and 
now treasurer of the British Women's Temperance 
Association, Miss Fowler, honorary secretary Mr. 
Robert Rae, editor Temperance Record, and others, 
called on me and delightfully renewed the memories 
of the days of laying the foundation of that great and 
important branch of the World's Women's Christian 
Temperance Union. I cannot call them days of small 
things, for at once a great and overwhelming field 
opened before me. I remember some of the papers 
referring to my work said it had been the wont of 
strangers coming to England to begin in the provinces, 
and as they made their reputation work their way up 
to London, but that I had commenced my campaign 
at once in London. I believe the verdict of the press 
was that the results justified my course. But I had 



THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 385 

no strategic methods matured or planned. It seemed 
that my way lay to London, and trusting the Lord 
I followed it, and with the newspapers I am fain to 
believe that the results did justify my course. 

I was glad to meet the daughter of my friends, Prof, 
and Mrs. Fowler, again, a bright little girl on that 
pleasant day of other years, now a young lady of rare 
talent and cultivation. Besides helping her father, 
teaching classess and lecturing on phrenology, she is, 
with the help of her assistant secretary, carrying for- 
ward the women's temperance work with great energy 
and with great acceptability, too. 

It was a serious disappointment and a source of sin- 
cere regret that because of her absence from the city I 
did not have the pleasure of meeting Lady Henry 
Somerset, the present and greatly beloved and lovable 
president. When the ladies of her class, talents and 
heart shall follow Lady Henry Somerset's grand ex- 
ample, the temperance victory is assured. May the 
dear Lord in His pity hasten the day. 

A few minutes with Mr. Lenge, of the Temperance 
League publishing establishment, and also with broth- 
er Kempster, the honored chairman of my London 
committee, and finally a call that I had always prom- 
ised myself, if I should ever again visit London, on 
Wm. T. Stead. Only a few minutes, for I remem- 
bered what a busy life was his, but never to be for- 
gotten. I had, I thought, taken his measure as one of 
the Lord's mighty men of war, but it was as we knelt 
before we parted, for a brief season of prayer, that I 
discovered the man, one of the humblest, most trusting 
followers of the Lord Christ ; yes, out in the great 



3S6 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

battle-field, where sin in its vilest form is to be mer. a 
very Samson, but at the "mercy seat'" a loving, trust- 
ing child. 

I bless the Lord for such men and women, They 
make me the stronger, the more hopeful for the ulti- 
mate triumph of righteousness on the earth. I have 
been the richer in faith and all good resolves ever 
since. 

Xow across the channel and down to Paris, spend- 
ing a few days visiting a few of the many places of 
interest in that city and vicinity. Then foregoing 
further prosecution of the excursion I left my party to 
pursue their journey, and set out alone for Boulogne 
sur mer. 

Mrs. Fairfax, who, with her venerable father. Mr. 
John Cadbury, had so delightfully entertained me when 
in Birmingham on my first visit, but now with her hus- 
band, Mr. Joseph Fairfax, residing in Boulogne, having 
seen the announcement in the English papers of my 
expected attendance at R. W. Grand Lodge in Edin- 
burgh, wrote me, inviting me to spend a few days 
with them and to address the English colony there on 
the temperance question. I think I must copy here a 
very pleasing incident connected with this journey 
and reported to our little editor of the Midget; 

It looked like a rather serious undertaking to 
travel alone in a country of whose language I could 
not speak a word, but I remembered that always in 
the past when I needed a friend the Lord had provided 
one for me. We know the French are proverbial 
for their politeness, and so I proved it before I could 
get into the van. A very pleasant lady sprang for- 
ward to help me, talking as fast as she could. But in 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 387 

a few minutes we discovered that neither could un- 
derstand a word the other said. However, we felt 
very friendly, and made signs as well as we could, 
and it is quite surprising how much we can say with 
signs. For a part of the way, we were the only occu- 
pants of that compartment, then another lady entered. 
After a while my friend took some bread out of her 
satchel and insisted upon dividing it with me. Then 
I took a Midget (a child's temperance paper, 
the editor, Ethel Stout, a little girl only eight years 
old, and the youngest editor in the world) from my 
valise and handed it to her. She bowed her thanks, 
looked at it and discovered my engraving, smiled and 
made motions, then show T ed it to the other lady. So I 
took out another and handed it to the other lady and 
they seemed greatly pleased when they found they 
could keep them. Then my friend took out her pencil 
and paper and wrote that she could read and write 
English a little. Next we exchanged cards, and I 
saw her card had a mourning border. I pointed to it 
with a questioning look and she wrote, "My mother 
di^d, aged 68." Then she wrote, "I have a little boy 
nine years old." Pretty soon she pointed out a place 
on her "Time Table," signifying that she would leave 
the train there. The other lady had left some time 
before. Now the train stopped at her station, and 
we arose, shook hands and affectionately kissed 
each other. I pointed up towards heaven, signifying 
that the next time we would meet there, and she rev- 
erently bowed, and so we parted. But I am sure we 
will both remember always with pleasure the acquaint- 
ance we made under such peculiar circumstances. 

As my train ran into the depot at Boulogne, I saw 
my friends hastening towards me, and soon I was again 
enjoying the hospitality of a typical English Christian 
home. 

These tew days of rest and driving with my friends 



388 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

in the vicinity of this quaint old town are days of 
sweet memory. 

Mr. Fairfax had made all arrangements for a suc- 
cessful meeting ; had printed and distributed hundreds 
of bills all over the city, exciting great interest in a 
hitherto unheard-of thing in that old town, where the 
atmosphere even yet seems freighted with the influ- 
ence of the first emperor — a lecture on temperance, by 
a lady. Even the Catholics and Jews discussed the 
subject w r ith great interest. The Catholics asked Mr. 
F. to what order of "sisterhood" "Mother" Stewart 
belonged. I said I would like, if sure of being under- 
stood, to say to the Order of the Sisterhood of the 
Good Samaritan. 

The English Wesleyans have here had a church 
organization for many years, holding their services in 
a rented hall. But they had, only a month before my 
visit, dedicated a beautiful new chapel of their own. 
where my meeting was held, calling out the largest 
audience they had ever had, and leaving a subject foi 
conversation for more than "nine days," I feel assured. 

Mr. Fairfax, who is one of the truest advocates and 
workers for our cause I ever met, assured me that this 
should not, by any means, be the last of the work sc 
auspiciously introduced. He has a very live Band ot 
Hope connected with this charge, a number of the 
bright boys and girls — as also the pastor — by their 
great kindness, I had the pleasure of meeting at tea. 
And so pleasantly came the finale of my all -too-brief 
visit to my friends of other days. I had invitations to 
Aberdeen, Dundee, Brechin and other points in Sc^< - 
land, and also to Ireland, and the friends expressed 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 369* 

the wish that I might remain till the opening ot the 
fall and winter work. But being controlled by my 
excursion contract, I was compelled to forego the great 
pleasure it would have afforded me. 

On Sabbath morning, gray and chill, the Rotterdam, 
with my party aboard, came into port, and I bade 
these, my son and daughter in Christian bonds, a tear- 
ful farewell. 

As some of my readers may be led to ask what are 
the results to be seen to-day of the labors recorded in 
your " Memories of the Crusade," and the preceding 
pages — a reasonable question, I admit — I will close 
with a very brief and imperfect glimpse, I think I may 
call it, of the eighteenth convention of our National 
W. C. T. U. and the first World's W. C. T. U. con- 
vention, held in Boston, Mass., November nth to 18th 
inclusive, 1891. Says a Boston daily, under the head- 
ing, "For God and Home and Every Land :" 

Tremont Temple never held a more distinguished 
and significant assembly than that of the noble women 
convened at the opening session of the eighteenth 
national convention of the Women's Christian Tem- 
perance Union to-day. This is a federation of women 
of every nationality, representing forty-eight States 
and territories wearing the insignia of the white 
ribbon, and united in a systematized warfare against 
all forms of intoxicants and narcotics. 

The decorations, which are very elaborate, are by 
George Nelson Beals, assisted by Mrs. O. A. Purington 
and other ladies. The organ is surmounted by a clus- 
ter of flags of all nations, with streamers of red, white 
and blue extending from the upper portion to the front 
gallery, which is gracefully festooned with bunting. 
The second gallery is gay with banners. A map of 



390 T HE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

the world, belted with white ribbon, is hung in the 
center of the organ, with the motto "Christ for the 
World," and the other mottoes, "The Lord gave the 
word — the women who publish the tidings are a great 
host," " Woe unto them that call evil good, and good 
evil, which justify the wicked for reward" ; "We 
wage our peaceful war for God and home and every 
land ; " " High license for the State, high treason 
against the Decalogue." 

Why all this gay coloring, the banners and song? 
What does it all mean? It is the prelude of victory. 
Behind this moving host of women is the God of 
nations who shall lead on conquering and to con- 
quer until the demon, alcohol, shall be iorever de- 
stroyed. 

Looped around the room amid the decorations were 
the million names secured to the world's petition to 
the sovereigns of all Christian nations, which were 
pasted on white cambric. This petition is in the 
hands of Lady Henry Somerset, president of the Brit- 
ish Temperance Association, who will take it around 
the world. Lady Somerset occupied the chair while 
Miss Willard read her annual address. Again and 
again was Miss Willard cheered when she referred to 
prohibition and to "shame water" sent from America 
to Africa ; also in her brave words in condemnation of 
high license parties. She gave a glowing tribute to 
Lady Henry Somerset, which had its climax in the 
words, "The mighty West and Pacific coast delegates 
round out the salute, like the swell of some sweet 
tune." As the last words were pronounced the audi- 
ence rose and sang, "God save the Queen." Lady 
Somerset was visibly affected and said, "I feel that 
the words Miss Willard has said are those of a true 
and tender heart, that sees in another only what she is 
herself." The prophesy uttered down the ages, " The 
Lord giveth the word ; the women that publish the 
tidings are a great host," is fulfilling itself in this 



THE CRUSADER I.N GREAT BRITAIN. 39 1 

house to-day. The white ribbon is the symbol to-day 
of a living Savior." 

The editor of the Ohio W. C. 7. U. Messsenger 
says : 

The first forenoon meeting closed with the intro- 
duction of the foreign delegates attending the world's 
convention, and as one after another of these represen- 
tatives of Australia, Burmah, Hawaii, India, Upper 
E^ypt, South Africa, Japan, China, Italy, Canada, 
England, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Ed- 
ward's and Newfoundland was introduced, each giv- 
ing a few words of salutation, our enthusiasm rose to 
white heat ; and then among other notables of our 
country came our own Mother Stewart and Mrs. E. J. 
Thompson. It was a scene never to be forgotten. 

Lady Henry Somerset preached the annual sermon 
on Sabbath at 3 o'clock in Tremont Temple, from 
Hebrews 11, 24-28; " By faith Moses when he was 
come to years refused to be called the son of Pharoah's 
daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the 
people of God than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a 
season." 

The press of Boston spoke in the highest terms of 
her sermon, and the circumstances connected with the 
history of the speaker gave point to every word that 
she uttered, for she is living out the principles she ad- 
vocated. 

Lady Somerset, the daughter of Earl Somers, of 
Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, England, is the heir to 
her father's vast estates in the beautiful hills of Kent, 
and in her possessions in the east of London are one 
hundred thousand tenants. She s'gned the pledge at 
her castle gates, in Ledbury, with forty of her tenants, 



392 THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

in 1885, an d nas since that time been an earnest work- 
er among the poor and outcast. It is only necessary 
to add of this noble woman that she returns to her 
own land with a greater number of captives than 
ever Caesar led to Rome chained to his chariot wheels, 
for she took every one who came within the reach of 
her sweet Christian influence a willing prisoner. 

To the citizens of that very conservative and refined 
city this convention of women was indeed a revela- 
tion and continually growing subject of interest. 

Over five hundred duly accredited delegates, with 
visiting and fraternal delegates from the ends of the 
earth, swelling the number to some hundreds more, and 
these of the educated, refined Christian women, matron- 
ly and youthful — what wonder that Boston thronged 
to the temple to see till it was said ten thousand had 
to be turned away and two other large churches in 
the vicinity were thrown open and overflow meetings 
instituted to satisfy the curiosity of the people ; curi- 
osity to see this outgrowth of that wonderful Ohio 
movement of which they had heard such marvelous 
reports and wild, exaggerated rumors so long ago that 
it had almost passed out of memory. And what won- 
der that the surprise grew, as from day to day that 
great panorama of "views" passed rapidly across the 
stage, every moment fairly shifting and presenting 
hurried glimpses of forty different departments of 
Christian effort for the betterment of the family, the 
home, society, the world. And these shifting scenes, 
not manipulated and enlarged upon by one individual, 
but each having its superintendent, seeming so thor- 
oughly imbued with her own branch as to convey to 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 393 

the hearer the impression that it was the special de- 
partment and paramount to all others. And when 
appeal was made by one and another in behalf of her 
department, as when "Our Jennie" Smith, as they 
call her, made her appeal for her railroad boys, or Mrs. 
Lovell for her pitiful dumb animals, the hearers were 
for the time awakened to interests they had not 
thought of before. But to the writer hereof the scene 
had interest that perhaps no other could compre- 
hend. 

Following the presentation of that notable body of 
visitors, some twenty -five or more, from all far-away 
lands, to be introduced on that Wednesday morning, 
and looking into the sea of upturned faces filling the 
space up to the rafters, and bewildered by the flutter 
of handkerchiefs, like myriads of white doves, harbing- 
ers of peace and good will, it may not be surprising 
that the toil-worn crusader had need of all her will 
force to bear the scene with composure. Her memory 
was racing down the years, nearly twenty of them, 
where she saw, and was a part of, bands of women 
upon whom a great baptism had fallen, hastening to 
the churches, there to lay all they had, the gift of their 
lives, on the altar to be used in that great and 
mysterious call to go forth in battle array, not with 
carnal weapons, but armed with God's holy word, 
with songs and prayers and appeal and tears. She 
saw the solemn procession on all the streets in her 
native State. She was walking with them through 
the falling rain and drifting snow; she was kneeling 
on the filthy, tobacco-polluted floor, in the stench of 
liquor and tobacco fumes, or on the pavement, in mud 



394 THE CRUSADER IX GREAT BRITAIN. 

or snow or on the frozen ground. She saw the dealers 
signing r>e pledge and rolling out their liquor casks 
and emptying them into the gutters. She heard the 
sweet, triumphant song float out upon the air. "All 
Hail the Power of Jesus' name." and then she heard the 
clang and reverberation of the sweet church bells as 
they swung to and fro up in the steeples proclaiming 
the victory. 

But this great throng, in their quiet expectancy, re- 
called her to the scene before her. Expecting her to 
speak — what could she, what did she? From that 
sowing of precious seed, watering it with their tears, 
behold a promise of the harvest in this earnest, pray- 
ing assembly of women. She has a' recollection of 
crying, " Behold what hath God wroug. 

The development of the women — may we sav the 
cream of all the churches — developing talents of which 
they themselves had not dreamed, and the result in so 
many channels hitherto not supposed to belong to 
women's domain. We may well say. "It is marvelous 
in our eves." Nothing in all the educational or re- 
ligious movements of the world has ever given to 
women the impetus, mental and spiritual, that this 
crusade movement has. The self-possession, the quiet 
dignity displayed by officers and delegates in the 
dispatch of business has hardly a parallel in the 
history of legislative assemblies. 

We remember that eleven years before, when this 
same body gathered in Dr. Gordon's church, Clarenden 
street, this city, the report attracting the greatest 
interest was that of the writer hereof, on the open- 
ine of the work in the South. Now every Southern 



THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 395 

State was represented, and by ladies of the high- 
est grade of talent as well as the most advanced 
views. 

It was one of the richest of the innumerable treats 
of that great occasion to attend Lucy Stone's reception 
at her parlors in the Woman's yournal headquarters, 
3 Park street, and to hear these ladies express them- 
selves in clear, unequivocal terms in favor of the 
franchise for women. And again, w T hat a historical 
event was that for Boston of sixty of the pulpits on 
that Sabbath of November 15, 1S91, beingoccupied by 
women, and women who had something to say that 
the world would be the better for hearing and heed- 
ing. 

Again the questioner asks, "What of the future? 
How long, and what shall be the ultimate of all these 
prolonged united labors and prayers and tears, 
circling around the world? Will these women pre- 
vail ?" 

And the Seer, looking down the years, for they are 
many, unless God shall in His pity make bare His own 
right arm in our behalf, saith, Though we are as yet 
only inaugurating this long, weary campaign, we 
have enlisted for the war, we will neither fail nor fal- 
ter. Not till this scourge of the world is wiped out, 
not till such righteous laws are enacted and enforced 
as will protect our children and homes from its pollut- 
ing, blasting influence, not till the world shall be 
made ready for His coming, whose right it is to reign, 
will we yield the conflict. The vows of God are 
upon us, and though we are being called home one by 
one, before we hear the bells of victory peal, we are 



39^ THE CRUSADER IN GREAT BRITAIN. 

training a great army of our children who will grasp 
the banner from our stiffening hands and bear it aloft 
in the face of the foe till victory comes. Take heart, 
oh, sisters beloved, comrades in arms, I hear the tread 
of the coming army. I hear the shouts of the victors 
ringing across the years, and I die content. 



